Smart EV with a Tesla Drivetrain

When Tesla launched its amazing Model S a while back, it wasn't the only Tesla-powered machine supplying rides to attendees. Also ferrying guests about a short circuit (so to speak) was a smart fortwo imbued with a Tesla-engineered drivetrain, fruit of its effort to supply Daimler with battery packs for 1,000 smart eds. My friend Doug, of Tesla Motors Club fame, was at the event and went for a ride in the diminutive one, armed with a video camera to record the ride, the results of which we are happy to share with you after the break. Because of the nature of the event, there was no demonstration of heart-stopping acceleration or sure-footedness through a slalom, which is somewhat disappointing. The car would have been capable of making a lasting impression given the chance, outfitted, as it was, with the motor and gear box 1.0 from the Tesla Roadster.

Click here for the test drive video

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Comment by toes on June 5, 2009 at 6:08pm: This is too cool. Love the video. Thanks for posting!

And: I soooo want one ... but I do agree that they should just use the 2-speed gearbox they had in this prototype (I even like the "industrial chique" design of it).

That smart took off like a bullet. I imagine there might be some concern about the lack of engine noise? But then I think that even the regular smart is hard to hear for pedestrians?

Comment by SATO on June 5, 2009 at 11:26am: what I noticed is that at low speeds the ev will be a GREAT city car, I don't understand why though they don't use a gearbox to use the electric motors huge torque to get good highway speed and yet not force it to drain its range?