smart USA has delivered the first smart fortwo electric drive vehicle to a retail customer in the United States.
The smart ED was handed over at the home of Mindy Kimball of Silver Spring, MD by Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske and Smart USA President Jill Lajdziak.
Mindy Kimball is a 36-year-old early adopter of electric vehicle technology and a Major in the United States Army. Kimball chose the smart fortwo electric drive after thoroughly comparing and evaluating every electric vehicle available because she believes smart’s offering is the most modern electric car on the market.
She has been a volunteer presenter with The Climate Project since 2007, educating the public about the science of climate change and the ways to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Kimball is also an active member of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) of Washington, DC, and she will display her new car in the EVA/DC booth at the 2011 Washington Auto Show. smart USA will have three smart fortwo electric drive vehicles at the auto show including the “Advanced Technology Superhighway” exhibit.
The smart fortwo electric drive is a zero-emission vehicle and the ultimate visual statement on conservation. It is powered by a 30 kW magneto-electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. According to the U.S. EPA LA4 test cycle, the smart fortwo electric drive can travel up to 98 miles on a full charge. In combined city and highway driving, the U.S. EPA estimates the range on the smart fortwo electric drive to be 63 miles. Using a 220 volt outlet, it takes only three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent of its capacity and about eight hours to reach full charge from a depleted battery.
This year, smart USA is strategically placing 250 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles across the United States with companies, municipalities, organizations and individuals interested in making a passionate statement on conservation and environmental awareness. Series production on next-generation vehicles for retail sale through smart USA’s dealer network is expected in 2012.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
