2017 smart fortwo electric drive: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2017 smart fortwo electric drive offered a unique and highly maneuverable urban mobility solution, specifically designed for navigating congested city streets. As the brand's electric-only offering for that year, it prioritized efficiency, practicality, and a fun driving experience for short-distance commutes.
Highlights
- Powertrain: At the heart of the 2017 smart fortwo electric drive was its compact electric motor. This motor delivered 75 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque, providing zippy acceleration from a standstill, ideal for city driving. Power was sent to the rear wheels.
- Battery & Range: The electric drive was equipped with a 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This provided an estimated 58 miles of range on a full charge, making it suitable for daily commutes and urban errands.
- Safety Features: Despite its small size, the fortwo electric drive came equipped with a surprising array of safety features:
- Tridion Safety Cell: This reinforced passenger compartment acts as a rigid cage, absorbing and redirecting impact energy away from occupants in the event of a collision.
- Crosswind Assist: This system helps to stabilize the vehicle by applying selective braking to the wheels on the side experiencing the crosswind, reducing the likelihood of the car being blown off course.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC automatically intervenes to prevent loss of traction by applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects the vehicle is about to skid or roll over.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Airbags: The fortwo electric drive came standard with multiple airbags, including front airbags, knee airbags for the driver, and side airbags.
- Trims: The 2017 smart fortwo electric drive was primarily offered in a single, well-equipped trim level, often referred to as the "electric drive" trim. This trim typically included features such as:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Bluetooth connectivity
- A compact infotainment system with a touchscreen
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry and ignition
- A rearview camera
- Maneuverability: The most striking aspect of the fortwo electric drive was its legendary turning radius. With a turning circle of just 22.8 feet, it could practically turn around in its own length, making it incredibly easy to park and navigate tight city spaces.
- Compact Design: Its diminutive two-seat, two-door design made it exceptionally space-efficient, both for parking and for weaving through traffic.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 smart fortwo electric drive was a unique experience tailored for urban environments.
- Driving Experience: The electric drivetrain provided instant torque, making it feel surprisingly peppy for city driving. The compact size and tight turning radius made it a joy to maneuver and park. The ride could be firm, characteristic of its small footprint, and road noise was more noticeable at higher speeds.
- Charging: The fortwo electric drive utilized a standard J1772 charging port. Charging at home using a standard 120V outlet would take a significant amount of time for a full charge. However, with a Level 2 (240V) charger, charging times were considerably reduced, making it more practical for overnight charging. Public charging stations were also an option.
- Maintenance: Electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance requirements than gasoline-powered cars. There are fewer moving parts, and no oil changes are needed. Typical maintenance would involve checking brakes, tires, and the cabin air filter. Battery health would be a consideration for long-term ownership, though initial battery degradation was typically minimal.
- Insurance: Insurance costs could vary depending on factors like driving record, location, and coverage levels. Due to its niche market and small size, some insurance providers might offer competitive rates, while others might consider it a higher risk for certain types of claims. It's always recommended to get quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 smart fortwo electric drive excelled in its intended environment, potential buyers should be aware of a few drawbacks.
- Limited Range: The 58-mile range was ideal for city commuting but would be insufficient for longer highway trips or daily use in areas with longer commutes or limited charging infrastructure.
- Comfort on Highways: At highway speeds, the fortwo electric drive could feel less stable and more susceptible to crosswinds compared to larger vehicles. The ride quality could also be less refined on rougher surfaces.
- Limited Passenger and Cargo Space: As a two-seater, it offered no rear passenger capacity. The cargo space was also quite limited, suitable for grocery bags or a small amount of luggage, but not for significant hauling.
- Charging Speed (Standard Outlet): Relying solely on a standard 120V household outlet for charging would result in very slow charging times, making it impractical for most daily users. A Level 2 charger was almost essential for a more convenient ownership experience.
Overall Summary
The 2017 smart fortwo electric drive was a highly specialized vehicle designed for efficient and stress-free urban living. Its unparalleled maneuverability, compact size, and zero-emission powertrain made it an excellent choice for city dwellers navigating congested streets and looking for a simple, eco-friendly mode of transportation for short distances. While its limited range and cargo space made it unsuitable for many, for its intended purpose, it offered a unique and enjoyable ownership experience.