Other renewables

smart launches national electric vehicles drive contest

smart Canada today announced that it has initiated a cross-Canada tour that will bring the ground-breaking smart fortwo electric drive to every smart Centre across the country. Designed to offer Canadians an exclusive opportunity to test drive the pioneering new smart fortwo electric drive, the smart plugged in tour began this week in Victoria, BC, and will travel from coast-to-coast throughout the next four months. In addition to offering Canadians a rare glimpse into the future of sustainable, intelligent urban transportation, the tour will also bring a charging infrastructure to each stop to demonstrate how simple and straightforward the charging process is.

The technologically advanced, zero local emission smart fortwo electric drive is currently only available to a select group in Canada through the country’s first electric vehicle pilot project designed specifically for automotive retail customers. The plugged in tour will expose the electric drive to a broader audience, and allow test drive opportunities well in advance of the vehicle’s official launch next year.

The main focus of the tour will be to illustrate that a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery provides the smart fortwo electric drive a generous range of 135 kilometres when fully charged, allowing the vehicle to comfortably transport two passengers without producing local emissions or compromising safety, agility, comfort, or interior space. In addition, torque build-up with an electric motor is instantaneous, providing maximum torque from a standstill, which further enhances the smart fortwo’s legendary fun-to-drive quotient.

In conjunction with the plugged in tour, smart Canada is also pleased to launch a national contest that will award one lucky winner the first 2013 smart fortwo electric drive cabriolet in Canada. The contest will be held on Facebook on the smart Canada page, and will run until November 30, 2011. The winner will be announced in January 2012, and will take delivery of the first 2013 smart fortwo electric drive cabriolet mid-year.

"The smart fortwo is already a recognized leader that has been redefining individual urban mobility for over six years in Canada. We are excited to undertake this tour and offer our customers and prospects the opportunity to take a closer look at the smart fortwo electric drive as we prepare to make this pioneering new vehicle widely available next year," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "In many markets, the smart plugged in tour dates will coincide with the 125! Years Patent-Motorwagen tour, which will offer a fascinating juxtaposition showing the world’s first automobile housed next to one of the world’s first production electric vehicles. This powerful message demonstrates without a doubt that our unwavering commitment to innovation throughout our 125 year history has allowed us to remain at the forefront of sustainable mobility. We are proud to continue to revolutionize transportation and present another viable transportation option on the road to a more sustainable future."

www.thesmart.ca