Daimler AG to supply 1,000 Smart electric cars

The company will go for large volume production for public in 41 markets around the globe with most recent market launches,including China and Brazil,in 2012.

In a first step,1,000 smart vehicles will be provided to customers participating in various mobility projects in major cities in Europe and the US. The company is still to fix a price tag for it while the vehicle will be available to general public in 2012,company officials Jean-Yves Schmitt and Joel de Waha told PTI.

The second-generation smart car,which is just over two and a half meters long,is equipped with high performance lithium-ion-battery in a space-saving position between the axles. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear.

“A full battery charge costs approximately two euros (Rs 140) and is sufficient for a range of around 115 kilometres more than enough for city traffic,” the official claimed.

The electric vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds with maximum speed limit of 100 km/h. It doesn’t require changing gear while air conditioning can be done in advance,they added.