Has anybody heard anything about the potential for a hybrid electric model in the future? The full-electric version is too limited to be practical in my area...just wondering if there are rumors floating around about an actual hybrid...something to keep my hopes up!
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Anybody know about alternative fueled Smarts? I saw some reference on the net but the info. was too sketchy. I would alos love to drive a non-polluting car. I'm not crazy about electric versions since too few-too far for me too.
kkmode
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For KATE too!...Just some good news off a blog:Hybrid and Kokam Ltd., Korea, Announce Partnership, 26 Billion Dollar Corporation's Newest Vehicles to Utilize Kokam Lithium Polymer Batteries
November 18, 2005 - Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: HYBT) is pleased to announce that pursuant to executive meetings with one of America's largest and most profitable corporations a large acquisition for Hybrid Lithium vehicles has been approved.
The vehicles will be part of a major fleet retro fit as corporate America is given directives to adapt fleets to convey "green policies" as well as to comply with federal mandates. The latest purchase involves a major marketing campaign; therefore, Hybrid Technologies will release a further press release outlining their latest corporate partnership.
As part of Hybrid's ongoing corporate fleet sales and marketing initiatives, the 26 billion dollar corporation has agreed to purchase and take delivery of the highly acclaimed Lithium Mini Cooper model as well as the Daimler Chrysler Smart Car Lithium version. The vehicles will be part of the corporation's rapidly expanding Hybrid fleet as part of the multi national corporation's commitment to "green philosophy" as well as its well known philosophy of working with the latest in American technology.
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YIPEE!!!!!
GOOD NEWS ALL AROUND!
I WONDER WHAT THE TIME FRAME IS?
VERY COOL INDEED.
kkmode
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Permalink Reply by Kate Kuykendall on -
WhooHOO!! Thanks for the boost!
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Other than the space-saving, high mpg and safety cage, it would be nice if Daimler Chrysler could finalize this constant bickering/litigation and bring in a hybrid option and possibly get the Roadster and/or Brabus w/hybrid options as well on it's feet here in the US. I'm just sick of these huge behemoth SUV alternative vehicles! Bring in some real big-guns and lets get the GREEN going!
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The roadster is no longer produced by smart, they've sold all the factory parts and blueprints to a company in the UK who will be making a new vehicle based on the roadsters frame. But a BRABUS type smart will hit the US this year and the hybrid hopefully will be an option but smart will see how it works out in Germany this year.
I think this year is the year of going green a looking good, I've never been a fan of the Prius or other hybrid and while the tesla is a beautiful car at nearly $100,000 not many could afford it, so the smart will be the first time you can look good and still be green, it will really force the other hybrids like the Prius to come up with more then just offering a battery powered brick on wheels.
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Hi Kate,
Thanks for the post as it reminded me to update the site to add in the mhd as smart has officially released the hybrid version of the 451 this year in Germany, oddly enough the online version of the brochure has no reference to it, which is part of the confusion about its existence but the printed version of the brochure has full coverage.
The official name of the is "smart fortwo micro hybrid drive" and they use "mhd" to define it just as they used to use "cdi" to define the diesel version. Pricing of the hybrid is 10,490 Euro ($15,000 USD).
They are also testing in select areas full electric version of the 451, but those are not production vehicles are are limited both in numbers and locations that can refuel.
The hybrid will more likely come out in more countries next year as there is already a lot of 451 owners who are used to the diesel gas millage and are comparing about the gas millage in the new gas version.
Stephen
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Stephen, I know you're in Canada, yet you are very in the know. Is there any speculation as to when this 'Green' (hybrid) mhd Smartcar will be introduced to USA?
Also, did you have the name or a link on who bought the Roadster in UK? Name of Company? Ty for all info. Jen
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Permalink Reply by Gordon on -
That is exciting news. I think it's going to take affordable hybrids (eg. the prices you quoted) to get people on the bandwagon. It's a smart move for smart.
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Hi,
I'm living in Germany, driving a Smart since 99' and I'm thinking about buying a new Smart mhd in the near future. But the name Hybrid is actually a little bit to much because it is not really a hybrid engine, and it does not make use of braking power. The mhd is only switching of the engine if the car is roling below 8 km/h and the driver is steping on the break. As soon as the break is liftet, the engine is startet again. There is an improved starter engine which is also used as generator to load the battery.
A real Hybrid car should have a large battery which is able to assist on accelerating the car and when the gears are changed. Plans to build a Smart like this where discussed several years ago, but canceled at that time. It is possible, that a "Smart full hybrid" is comming in the near future.
http://blogs.motortrend.com/6211388/car-news/smart-fortwo-gets-even...
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I know they will be bringing in a diesel model for 2010 and gets 60+ mpg
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