OREANDA-NEWS. In 2013 Daimler AG is once again asserting its market leadership in electric cars in Germany. In the first half of 2013 the electrically powered models from Mercedes-Benz and smart achieved a market share of 42 percent. The absolute leader is the electric smart, which heads the registration list for electric cars with 983 units and a market share of 40 percent. Compared to the previous year, the company has therefore increased its unit sales of electrically powered models in Germany by around 80 percent.

Now an electrically powered automotive icon, the smart fortwo electric drive has been making its mark on roads around the world with its locally emission-free drive system since as far back as 2007. With a lively 35-55 kW, a top speed of 125 km/h and a range of 145 km, it is the perfect companion for practically any mobility scenario in the city (Electric energy comsumption, combined cycle: 15,1 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions, combined: 0 g/km; energy efficiency class: A+).

According to the recent findings of one motoring magazine, it is also the best performer among electric vehicles in terms of operating costs. Customer feedback speaks for itself: 93 percent of all E-smart drivers unreservedly recommend the vehicle. Since 2012 the electrically powered two-seater has been out and about on Germany's roads with absolutely zero emissions: coinciding with the start of series production of the third model generation, Daimler AG took a wind turbine into operation. Its nominal output of 2.3 megawatts per year is sufficient to generate sustainable electric power for all the smart fortwo electric drive cars sold in Germany.

The variant of the electric drive modified by the vehicle tuner BRABUS brings even more dynamism into the electric smart world. Thanks to a higher output of 60 kW, maximum torque of 135 Nm and a maximum speed of 130 km/h, the two-seater zips along even more enthusiastically. Acceleration from zero to 60 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds, and the speedometer shows 100 km/h after 10.2 seconds (Electric energy comsumption, combined cycle: 16,3 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions, combined: 0 g/km; energy efficiency class: A+).

Electric mobility on two wheels completes the electric portfolio of the smart brand. A 250-watt hub motor by Bionx at the rear wheel assists the rider of the smart ebike up to a speed of 25 km/h. The energy for a range of up to 100 kilometres is stored by a 423 Wh lithium-ion battery. As a recipient of the coveted "Red Dot Design Award", the smart ebike is available for as little as € 2,849. While the rider of the ebike has to operate the pedals, the next two-wheeled product from smart requires no muscle power at all: the smart scooter.