Smart EQ: The electric car with a future
VISION ON THE ROAD The all-electric models from Smart are the first production vehicles in the Mercedes EQ family. If the EQ forfour sets the bar, then we can look forward to the other models. We will have to get used to this: consumption is increasingly being stated in kilowatt hours. In the case of the smart EQ forfour, for example, that would be 13.2 [...]
We will have to get used to this: consumption is increasingly being stated in kilowatt hours. In the case of the smart EQ forfour, for example, that would be 13.2 to 13.1 kWh per 100 kilometers, with CO2 emissions of zero grams. That's good for the environment and, with rising fuel prices, good for your wallet, too - isn't it? With Zurich basic electricity, that would be two francs for night charging (low tariff 0.15 francs per kWh) and not quite four francs for day charging. But if you charge expensive solar power (low tariff 0.59 francs per kWh), you already pay 7.85 francs for 100 kilometers. So careful charging management can really pay off.
Practical 22 kW fast charger as an option
This is helped by the personalized smart EQ control app, which allows you to keep an eye on the vehicle status at all times and remotely control the pre-air conditioning (as long as the vehicle is connected to the power supply). The integrated charging service also makes it easier to find the nearest charging station and make payments. Another improvement is the new, optional 22 kW fast charger, which charges the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 40 minutes.
Processing, design and functionality pleasing
The new generation with e-drive convinces right away. The workmanship, design and functionality are pleasing. But the real joy comes when driving. The chassis is tuned for sporty comfort and keeps the car safely on track. The accelerator pedal allows the Smart to accelerate quickly and with good control. The excellent noise insulation of the drivetrain should also be emphasized. What takes some getting used to is the braking via recuperation, which is configured on the soft side in contrast to other electric cars. Only one point clouds the joy: the relatively tight range of about 130 kilometers in real terms, but this will lose some of its horror as the charging network grows. On the other hand, the price has been kept low: starting at 24,900 Swiss francs for the Smart EQ forfour is a clear statement!
