Soon, the second generation of smart fortwo electric-drive vehicles will be rolling off the line at the factory in France, and they will be sporting a few “smart” changes. Initially only available in a few selected cities in Europe and the U.S., these comfortable and safe two-seaters will be tested under real-world city driving conditions and then made available to all interested consumers.

A few of the improvements over the previous generation, which was available only in Europe, include a highly efficient lithium-ion battery from Tesla Motors with a 14 kW capacity. Lithium-ion technology allows for longer life, higher performance, shorter charging times and general overall reliability. Since electric drive has been part of the planning process at smart, no major changes were needed to convert to electric. Space for the battery is located between the axles, where the fuel tank is in other smart models, meaning no sacrifice of interior space or cargo capacity.

The 30 kW electric motor has, with a full battery charge, a range of 71 miles, more than enough for city traffic since studies show that the average driver travels between 22 and 25 miles per day in towns and cities. The electric smart’s top speed is deliberately limited to 65 mph, enough for those short stretches of highway. Once at your destination, the car can simply be charged by plugging it into any 220V household socket. An overnight charge will bring the battery up to full capacity.

Sophisticated electronic monitoring systems make sure that the battery is functioning properly, the charging process is operating as it should and the capacity display is working normally. Thanks to the power characteristics of the electric motor, the smart fortwo electric needs only one fixed-gear ratio since there is no need for any gear shifting. Simply change the engine’s direction of rotation, and you’re in reverse!

If you think the smart fortwo electric is nothing more than a box with a battery, think again. All the amenities that come with the smart passion coupe and cabrio versions are available such as power windows, a panorama roof with sunscreen, air conditioning with temperature control, AM/FM radio with CD player, a three-spoke leather sport steering wheel and leather shiftknob.

The smart fortwo design is fresh and urbanely sophisticated while still youthful and modern, and an electric fortwo is a practical alternative for zero-emission tooling about town. Marc Langerbrinck of smart says that the smart fortwo electric is “the perfect car for the city. It’s agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero emissions in an urban environment has become a reality.”

If tight parking, tight city streets and an even tighter economy have you searching for an economical, eco-friendly way around town, the smart fortwo electric drive may just be smart for you!