Smart believes time for EVs is now, deliveries this year

(Relaxnews)

Citing their belief that the world is already prepared for electric vehicles, German automaker Daimler AG announced October 8 that the will deliver 1,000 Smart ForTwo EVs worldwide by the end of this year and ramped up their production schedule.

"The Smart ForTwo electric drive proves that emission-free driving in an urban environment is already feasible today," stated Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

A limited series production of 1,000 vehicles will be delivered this year to customers  in major cities in Europe and the US who will participate in project studies.

The company also announced the EV will be produced in "significantly larger volumes" by 2012 for sale in its worldwide sales network. Smart now joins Nissan, Ford, Renault and others in the list of major automakers planning worldwide EV releases for 2012.

Daimler already has significant experience with EVs, having tested models in 2007 in London and introduced a second generation Smart Fortwo a year later.

The ForTwo EV is emission free, has a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour (61 miles per hour) and attains an 80 percent charge in 3.5 hours via a regular household outlet.