Smart Transitions to Electric Only For North America
Automotive News (Subscription Required) obtained a letter sent to Smart dealers that states the brand will cease selling gas-powered models by the end of this year. Starting in 2018, dealers will only sell the electric drive variant.
“Developments within the micro-car segment present some challenges for the current Smart product portfolio. Therefore, with the launch of the fourth-generation Smart ForTwo electric drive this summer, the Smart lineup will consist exclusively of the zero-emissions Smart electric-drive coupe and cabrio in the U.S. and Canada,” wrote Dietmar Exler, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
Rob Moran, Mercedes-Benz spokesman tells AN that production of gas-powered models for North America will cease in April. Dealers will sell the gas models until they are gone.
The Smart Fortwo electric drive swaps the gas engine for a three-phase synchronous electric motor producing 80 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 17.6-kWh battery pack, the electric drive has a range of 70 to 80 Miles.
Pic Credit: Smart
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