German
automaker Daimler has kicked off series production of its Smart Fortwo electric
vehicle, securing itself pole position in the field against its European
rivals. The first units will be available in Germany soon.
Daimler on
Tuesday became the first German automaker to begin mass production of an
electric car. The Stuttgart-based company reported it had started series
production of its Smart Fortwo ED (Electric Drive) vehicle in its facility at
Hambach in France.
Daimler
said the car could be ordered as of now and would be available to German and
other customers in the fall of this year. The German carmaker is currently
investing 200 million euros ($249 million) to completely modernize the Hambach
plant, which was inaugurated back in 2007.
"The
new Smart ED is the first genuine electric car in Europe," Daimler said in
a statement. Its vital electronic components come from both Daimler and car
parts supplier Bosch.
Clean, but
expensive
Series
production of the Smart ForTwo ED involves the third generation of the two-set
vehicle. It includes a more powerful electric engine, which improves
acceleration and top speed. A new lithium-ion battery pack will increase the
top range to 140 kilometers (87 miles). Daimler said a quick-charge option
would be available.
With the
start of mass production, the carmaker was able to outpace all of its rivals.
Volkswagen (VW) for instance will start selling its E-Golf in 2013. The same
goes for BMW and its newly designed i3 brand.
Daimler's
electric car comes at a cost, though. It's expected that Germans will have to
fork out about 24,000 euros per unit, if they decide to buy it complete with
the expensive battery system instead of renting it.
hg/sej (Reuters, dapd)
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