Is a Smart EV smart enough?

90 miles of range for more than $20,000+

The Smart EV electric car is an interesting little vehicle. Yet, even if it cost less than $10,000, I still wouldn't buy it. I have to have room for at least 3 people, period. There is no way around that fact, and I can't afford multiple cars for different types of driving. Most Americans can't.

Then there is the range. 90 miles sounds great, but how realistic is 90 miles? Most battery experts would tell you that heavy AC use, hills, and aggressive driving could drop that range down by a 1/3, maybe even cut it in half.

Then there is the price. Pricing has not been given on such a vehicle, but I'm certain it will be more than $20,000.

Now, obviously, there are some for whom the Smart car will work, but it's far from a mainstream solution. It's a micro-niche product at best. Can such vehicles really help push economies of scale to help bring down costs of electric cars?

The Smart EV is a good step, but I'd easily accept half the range for an extra two seats. The Smart EV just isn't smart enough for me.

Daimler has little vision for Smart?

2,559 sold in July

Daimler will probably sell about 100,000 Smart cars throughout the world this year, which is nearing current production capacity. Nonetheless, Daimler has no plans to either add new manufacturing capacity or to expand its brand beyond the ForTwo.

With sales and interest increasing, is this a mistake? Is it simply impossible for Daimler to make money off the Smart?

Smart Car: Fun Toy or Perception Changer?

Can it change the way Americans think about vehicle size?

I've been following the Smart Car since I saw these vehicles being used for deliveries in Pasadena, California several years ago. Since I live in a very urban area, where parking can be a serious issue, such a vehicle is very tempting.

Still, is this car just a toy for some commuters or something more? Read more...

IQ: Toyota's Smart Answer

It might even come in a hybrid version

If the Smart ForTwo, or another super small car, begin to sell well, Toyota is ready to act with the IQ Concept.

"At 117.3-inches long the IQ is nearly a foot (10.6-inches) longer than the Fortwo, or almost three feet (32.7 inches) shorter than a Toyota Yaris three-door. Designed in Toyota’s design studio in France," reports Car&Driver, "the IQ has a European look to it that blends harmoniously with the Japanese details like the headlights and taillights. No word on what will power the IQ, but we’re guessing a gas-electric hybrid powertrain of some sort, as the car is strictly a design concept for the time being."

Smart: $11,590 for Two?

Coming in early 2008

The DetroitNews is reporting that the Smart ForTwo will be sold in the U.S. by a Penske Automotive Group subsidiary, Smart USA Distributor LLC, in early 2008 at a base price of $11,590.

"The more richly equipped Passion Coupe featuring a panorama roof, power windows and heated side mirrors as standard equipment, will have a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $13,590, while the Passion Cabrio with a fully-automatic soft top, will start at $16,590."

A mini hybrid - now that's Smart

Mild hybrid, gas hybrid or diesel hybrid, it's your choice?

At Live Earth Smart showed off a number of new ForTwo vehicles, including a number of hybrid cars according to Edmunds.

By next year, the ForTwo mild hybrid could be available in the States. According to Smart the mild hybrid could achieve around 66 mpg and a top speed of 90 mph.

In addition, Smart also showed off two diesel hybrids - full hybrids. One diesel hybrid, a concept vehicle, achieves a whopping 97 mpg and a top speed of 84 mph, while the almost ready ForTwo CDI diesel hybrid achieves 86 mpg and a similar top speed. While the mild hybrid ForTwo can go 0 - 60 in just over 13 seconds, the diesel hybrid concept takes almost 16 seconds and the CDI takes almost 20 seconds.

Still, for light use commuting vehicles, this kind of fuel economy is simply fantastic despite the lack of quickness.

More good news for plug-in hybrid technology

Could ending foreign oil dependency be this easy?

A six month study by Xcel Energy has announced the results of how plug-in hybrid vehicles would affect the Colorado electric grid. "The study found that PHEVs may result in a reduction of the overall expense of owning a vehicle and, with the help of smart-grid technologies, eliminate harmful vehicle emissions by up to 50 percent."

"Successfully managing a charging program will depend on a smart utility grid," said Ray Gogel, chief administrative officer for Xcel Energy. "This study is one step we are taking to demonstrate how to use energy more efficiently through smart-grid technologies. In order to make a dent in issues like climate change and dependence on foreign oil, the grid must change. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have the potential to help us better use renewable and other nontraditional energy sources while creating a grid that is more interconnected, balanced and reliable."

Last week I posted an entry that claimed that plug-in hybrids could not only increase electric grid reliability, but actually serve as money-making back-up generators for the power grid.

Nice to see Smart at NAIAS

I'm a hybrid car guy. I just can't buy anything other than a hybrid vehicle. Still, I realize that not everyone thinks like me. Thus, choices are good.

As a result I was happy to see that Smart had a nice presence at the North American Auto Show. If Americans drove smaller cars - not necessarily Smart-small - we'd solve a lot of problems.

Still, damn the Smart is small.

ForTwo Smart Car officially coming to U.S.

In early 2008 Daimler Chrysler will finally offer the Smart Car in the U.S. "The ForTwo's three-cylinder, 700cc engine has significantly lower emissions than other cars and gets an average of 40 miles per gallon in combined city-highway driving and will sell for less than $15,000." (more)

Toyota and its hybrids: The Calm Before the Storm?

When I first heard that Toyota was going to cut Prius production in order to produce the Camry hybrid, I was very disappointed. Let's face it, hybrid cars wouldn't even be on America's radar if not for Toyota, but cutting Prius production? How could they?

Now I know that many hybrid parts, particularly batteries, are in short supply and every automaker can only produce so many hybrids. Nonetheless, the hybrid supply chain is growing and no automaker is more knowledgeable about that subject than Toyota. They have essentially built the hybrid supply chain. Therefore, when I read that Toyota believes hybrids will become an important part of their profits by 2008, my disappointment turned to elation.

While there are numerous hybrid skeptics out there, I cannot help but feel that they remind of people that predicted computers were silly back in the early 80's, or that e-mail and the Internet were silly in the early 90's - and these were smart, successful people. I fully believe that the potential of hybrid technology has barely been tapped, the best is still yet to come. Ultimately, you can never judge an emerging technology only by the capabilities of the present - something done habitually by many hybrid critics.

GM might be building hybrids for P.R. and Nissan might think that hybrid technology isn't yet ready, but Toyota is now just sitting back quietly as the entire automotive world argues about the future of hybrids. But Toyota isn't just sitting, they are using their huge profits to take their hybrid technology to the next level.

Every other automaker better beware - this could just be the calm before the storm.

Now Showing, ZAP Cars

ZAP is showing off its current display of vehicles at the San Francisco Auto Show, including the WORLDCAR, OBVIO!, XEBRA and Smart Car. The show runs from October 19 - 27 at the Moscone Center (more).

Hoping to Zap the U.S. minicar market

You gotta give it up to ZAP. Earlier this year, ZAP tried to hard to create a line of DaimlerChrysler's ZAP ForTwo Smart Mini cars for the U.S., but Daimler balked, and production was limited.

So, was ZAP deterred? Heck no! Now, ZAP is going to bring the Obvio 828 to the U.S., and ZAP also purchased a 20% share of the small start up. (more)

The new 3 passenger vehicle will retail for about $14,000 and it will include a personal computer for streaming music, etc. while providing 0 - 60 performance in about 5.2 seconds. Unfortunately, EPA estimated fuel economy has not yet been determined, but the car's small size is expected to result in very high fuel economy.

Kudos to ZAP! Despite efficient cars, ZAP also has scooters and more, so check them out! (click here)

Zap's Smart Car shortage?

According to Reuters Zap might have trouble fulfilling its order for $1 billion worth of SmartCars. I can't understand why Smart wouldn't comply.

Delievery of First Smart Car Americanized by ZAP

Zap will deliver its first 'Americanized' Smart Car to a Reno buyer on May 17. (Press Release)

Hybrid car interest growing according to new poll

Interest in hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord hybrid, and Ford Escape hybrid is growing according to an AutoVIBES poll from Harris Interactive and Kelley Blue Book Market Research.
In February, interest in hybrid cars had grown 4%, but in March, interest jumped to 8%, marking "a significant increase," according to Scott Upham, Harris Interactive's senior vice president of automotive research.

At the same, interest in diesel vehicles declined. According to analysts affiliated with the report, smart marketing, particularly by Toyota, has made hybrid cars more "sexy" than diesels.

Additionally, the report noted that higher gas prices have also diminished interest in diesels. Moreover, if gas prices continue to rise, and climb over $3.00, consumers have expressed strong intentions to move to the most efficient vehicles available.

Already, sales of larger SUVs and trucks are declining, and higher gas prices might even push many consumers out of smaller SUVs, spurring hybrid interest even further.

According to new reports, such as from the IMF, the world's oil problems are only going to increase, as demand is set to continue to outpace supply

In addition, if any event, natural or otherwise, should temporarily disrupt oil supply, prices could sky-rocket to unbelievable heights.

Smart coming to U.S. as is

Before DaimlerChrysler decided to restructure its Smart Car division, its plans were to wait until they could build mini-SUVs for the American market before launching in the U.S.. Now; however, the current line of two-seater SmartCars will be coming to America, but not until sometime in 2007. More from MSNBC.COM.

Daimler Urged to dump Smart Car

Smart loses more per car than any other volume brand in recent history, except Rover, analysts at the US investment bank Morgan Stanley said. Restructuring or closing the division would be a "high-return investment" and the situation of BMW-Rover cars in 2000 should be studied, they added. (From The Guardian)

Smart Car Americanized by ZAP

Interesting press release by Zap regarding progress on the Smart Car Americanized by Zap vehicle. According to ZAP "The car is receiving modifications to meet U.S. Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency standards, including improvements to the structural design, lighting, as well as diagnostic and fueling systems."

As far as when the Smart Car Americanized by Zap goes on sale, the company only stated that it would happen as soon as possible.

Click here for the press release.

Smart Cars might not make it to U.S. via DaimlerChrysler

Autoweek is reporting that DaimlerChrysler might not bring the Smart car to the U.S. market until that unit is profitable in the 36 countries that it is already sold.

DaimlerChrysler is using the North American International Auto Show to test reaction from the U.S. market and the automaker will make a decision within the next few months.

There are four possibilities for the United States.

1. Cancel plans to come.

2. Launch Smart with the ForMore as planned.

3. Bring the ForMore and then the ForTwo.

4. Build the ForTwo and ForFour to meet U.S. standards.

Click here for the complete Autoweek Article.

DaimlerChrysler finalizing Smart U.S. plans

O.K., maybe the Smart Car is already here. Recently Zap offered a Smart ForTwo Car on eBay. Zap will be selling ForTwo's in the U.S. before DailmerChrysler, owner of Smart, begins selling the vehicles in the U.S. of A.

The "Fortwo", "Fortwo cabriolet" and Roadster models, are currently on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"This is only a first contact to test the reactions of the US public. If the reception is favorable, we will look into ways to break into this market," a Smart official said.

Smart Cars are already being sold in Canada, and Daimler is finalizing plans for its American introduction.

"We do not know at this stage when and which models we will unveil on the US market," a company official said, although he hinted that it might be next year along with the new "Formore" which is to be assembled in Brazil (According to the AFP).

Zap ForTwo Smart Car Available on eBay

The Zap ForTwo Smart Car is small, very small, but it was built upon, essentially, a steel cage frame for collission protection. You can park in the smallest of places, two will fit side-by-side in a typical parking spot. For urban driving, this 60 mpg vehicle provides lots of promise.

Buy now on eBay!

The Zap ForTwo Smart Car

The Zap ForTwo Smart Car is small, very small, but it was built upon, essentially, a steel cage frame for collission protection. You can park in the smallest of places, two will fit side-by-side in a typical parking spot. For urban driving, this 60 mpg vehicle provides lots of promise.

Click here for more information on the Zap ForTwo Smart Car.

Zap to bring European SmartCar to U.S.

The European Smart ForTwo 60 mpg vehicle was approved by the EPA for sale in the United States.

Zap, a California Company, hopes to sell about 15,000 customized ForTwo's in the United States, which has been sold in Europe since the late '90s.

Smart, a division of DaimlerChrysler, is also producing a ForFour SUV for U.S. production, based on its ForFour car.

I've seen the ForTwo, and it's a cool little car. I'd really like it if they made it a hybrid. A hybrid car such as this easily has the potential of hitting 100 mpg with almost zero pollution.

Toyota Prius Test Drive

I took a test drive of the Toyota Prius this weekend. While it wasn’t my first test drive of the Prius hybrid, it was my first test drive in a loaded Prius. So, let me just get this out of the way – this is a bloody awesome vehicle! Forget the fact that this auto is a hybrid car - it’s a revolutionary piece of technology

But, first, let’s get into some pricing issues.

$22,000 is the basic package price in my area, which includes a $3000.00 dealer fee, otherwise this car would sell for $19,000, and that is a steal. The hybrid I drove, was a Package 6, or the fully loaded Prius, plus leather, U.V paint protection and every accessory imaginable. It was listed at $32,000. Again, this price included a $3000.00 dealer fee.

There are about 6 different Prius Packages offered for the 2005 Prius Model. Of course you can always custom order one – but that will definitely cost extra, especially with supply still trying to catch up to demand.

Now remember, packages are not the same at each dealership, and different accessories are automatically loaded as a package in some areas. Obviously, pricing is probably the reason for this variance - providing dealers the ability to control a certain aspect of pricing – aside from the $3000.00 dealer fee that I find offensive. (Click here to read more about Prius features, specifications and packages).

Let me reiterate one more time; however, the base car is an awesome car. You don’t need to go above the base to get a loaded car. Of course Toyota does offer very tempting add-ons.

The outside of this auto looks different, sleek and high-tech.

Using the Smart Key System to open the doors I sat down in the driver’s seat, which is like being 16 again – it’s a brand new, revolutionary driving experience.

The Smart Key is like a mini-dvd that slides into a slot and with the push of a button, the car starts.

At first you hear the engine idle, but then silence, as the hybrid synergy drive remains ‘powered’ using just stored electric power, or almost free energy.

The dashboard is a unique digital dash that features a multifunction screen. In the loaded version, the multifunction screen includes a voice-activated DVD navigation system with hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth technology. The steering wheel also incorporates phone options; rear and front defrost, aside from all the standards.

This car is elegantly and efficiently designed right down to the glove-box. Or, excuse me, dual glove-boxes.

Driving is nice and smooth, and this car provides a great drive, but the most notable aspect of driving this machine is driving in slow traffic.

The car almost seems to float above the road as you watch regenerative energy fill your hybrid battery pack on your multi-screen monitor.

If you live in an urban area and commute in stop-and-go traffic, this IS the car for you. In fact the Prius actually achieves its best fuel-efficiency and greatest pollution reduction during high traffic, when standard autos achieve just the opposite.

The Prius also performs well on the highway, achieving an EPA estimated 51 mpg – though EPA estimates are out-dated for all cars, standard or hybrid. The EPA, for example, estimates that the top speed limit cars will drive is 55 mph on the highway. Still, your Prius will still utilize much less gas than standard cars, while significantly reducing pollution as well during highway, or freeway driving.

Pulling back into the lot, I checked out the hatchback, which is an extremely nice add-on to this vehicle. With the backdoor open, and the seats folded down, and the Prius hybrid offers an extensive amount of room for transporting large and bulky items.

Additionally, when the seats are back in position, the car easily accommodates four adults, or two adults and three children.

Because the Prius is one of the most aerodynamically advanced production vehicles, sun roofs are not an option for this vehicle.

In Conclusion

I am hybrid vehicle advocate because of pollution, global warming, environment, terrorism, and oil wars – not to mention simple automotive evolution.

But even if these issues are not on your radar, this car is still worth your consideration.

Coming Soon

I have been in contact with several Ford dealers in my area, and am therefore going to be taking a test drive of a Ford Escape hybrid either later this week, or over the weekend.

Additionally, there should be some advanced deliveries of the new Honda Accord hybrid before the end of this month, so check back regularly and frequently.

Or join Soultek’s hybrid car club.

ZAP WORLDCAR(TM) certified as a "Zero-Emission Vehicle"

The California Air Resources Board has certified the ZAP WORLDCAR(TM) as a "Zero-Emission Vehicle", and licensed the ZAP vehicle to be licensed and sold in the State of California. The certification also gives the purchaser access to incentives for driving such cars, including a 10 percent federal tax credit.

ZAP, a ten year old publicly traded company, is more known for electric bikes and scooters, but has been establishing an automotive division and dealer nework for the past several years. The company hopes to find a niche promoting automotive technologies that focus on fuel-efficiency and the improvement of auto-environmental impact. Autos are a huge source of local pollution, smog, and global warming.

ZAP will soon be selling full-performance electric cars, imported from China, priced under $10,000, but still including power locks and windows, CD , AC, deluxe interiors, alloy wheels and more. Additionally, the company will also be distributing the Smart city coupe, imported from Europe. The 60 mpg car is awaiting for final approval from the EPA.

Click here for more information on ZAP.

Do SUVs have a place in the US?

Traveling across the U.S. recently, I noticed that rural America seems less in love with SUVs than does urban America. Yet, it seems obvious that rural America should be home to SUV's. Driving through the Northwest into the Midwest, it becomes obvious why people in these areas - even the urban places - would want SUVs, the weather. Practically every car over a few years old has multiple rust spots, quite a different scene from places like California.

Still, why isn't their significantly more SUV's in rural America, compared to urban areas like Southern California? Home of freeway sprawl, traffic jams, and most importantly, SMOG, the land of perpetual sunshine, Southern California, induces little rust in automobiles. The critical features of the SUV - the abilities and components that enable off-road and four-wheeling - serve little purpose on mostly, dry, flat, paved, Southern California freeways.

While some propose tenuous arguments for the "safety" of SUVs, few statistics seem to support such arguments. In fact, it seems the only real argument is choice, a fundamental value of America and capitalism. However, without some sort of humanistic consumerism by American consumers, too much choice can be a bad thing.

U.S carmakers, the big three, have capitalized on choice, reinforcing this image as the mantra of the SUV. And why not? Many articles on hybrids cars, for example, have discussed the fact that US automakers were making 15,000 profit per SUV sold just a couple of years ago. Already hybrid cars can increase fuel efficiency by 30% or more.

Fine. Profit isn't a sin. Nonetheless, was that profit utilized to make SUV's better, safer? If so, why the "Rollover Lawsuits"? Why is gas mileage the same as it was 20 years ago, even after gas lines and wars in the Middle East? Massive pollution stains the earth, with significant amounts coming from oil-driven vehicles, but no real change has been made by the big three, even with such exorbitant profits.

The few are gaining far too much, at the expense of everyone's health. Yeah, choice is a fundamental American value, but if Americans can't make smart choices, we'll end up with no choice.

If you are interested in joining a hybrid buyer's club, click here.