It is once again time to report on the progress of the electrification of our cars. There are yet new facts that prick up the ears. Daimler has postponed the start of the Smart Fortwo Ed once again and indeed to September 2012. They are just been completed the last tests e.g. in the hot South Africa.

Thus, the E-Smart would also be well prepared for peak loads. It is the third generation, after all, the experience includes the 2000 models produced. But the company desperately needs the mass production, however it helps to a considerable degree, to correct down the average CO₂-value for the whole brand.

It may be assumed, therefore, that the introductory price is cross-subsidized within the group. There then, the hope is the mass battery manufacturing may be cheaper. In the manufacturing cost the subsidy is difficult to detect from the outside. But after all, Daimler promotes renewable energy in proportion as its e-cars consume such and waives subsidies by the renewable energy law.

The electrically driven automotive world is in motion, even when GM has suffered this tragic (delayed) fire at a Chevrolet Volt. The prices tumble a little bit, if one compares the E-Smart with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the costs round 35.000 € and promises 150 km range for four persons. As the battery capacity at the i-MiEV, however, with 16 kWh is lower than in the E-Smart, likely the indication of the range of Daimler might be a bit closer to practice as at Mitsubishi and the other i-MiEV sellers Peugeot and Citroen.

When charging beyond household sockets miraculous things are promised. Daimler speaks of less than one hour, one of the technician even from 40 minutes. It is not only the question whether the numbers are realizable in practice, but also whether the battery life may shorten this essential, that one in case of battery leasing, however, may not matter. Surely it must be tested e.g. in the garage, if with additional installation costs can be installed a so called wall box with a standardized plug for electric cars.

Interesting in connection with the technology of charging and driving in the (hot) summer is the programmability of the air conditioning. Which can now begin their work, while the vehicle is still on the power line and this preserves the range. And via which attachment the entire functions are set and also informations of the onboard computer issued, of course, via iPhone, the Apple-connected generation salute. Because what for the A-class is good, for the Smart is equitable.

One speaks of the first Drive-app at all, which of course is not content to display the remaining range. Which destinations could be achieved still with the remaining energy, e.g. which charging stations? Not only your current driving style is considered, but also the nature of the route ahead of you. After all, there is this program for PC or laptop.

And how it drives? Quickly, even above 60 km/h. A lack of temperament, the electrical revolution will certainly not fail. You do not hear much, if you just turn the ignition key. In movement, it is the uniformly high pitched sound of the driving mechanism and the music of the tyres. Changing gears whether manually or automatically, as well as any interruption in traction force were yesterday ... 03/12