Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe

Overview

This plucky little two-seater was an early EV pioneer, perfect for zipping around town. The 2012 Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe offered a truly compact, zero-emission ride for the urban jungle. Initially part of limited lease programs in the US, these early electric Smarts can now be found on the used market for around $2,995. It’s all about minimalist motoring, maximum parking agility, and being one of the first on the electric scene! A true city champion.

What's New for 2012?

The 2012 Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe was largely a carry-over, marking the final year of this specific early iteration primarily available through lease in the US. This 2009-2012 generation didn't pack any major new tricks for its last dance. Smart was already prepping a significantly updated version with more poke and a bigger battery that would launch for the 2013 model year, aiming for wider retail appeal. So, 2012 was the swan song for this particular early EV configuration.

Design & Exterior

You can’t miss the Smart fortwo’s iconic, super-short silhouette! The Electric Drive fortwo coupe keeps the signature Tridion safety cell exposed, often in a funky contrasting colour. It’s hilariously tiny at just 106.1 inches long, 61.4 inches wide (no mirrors), and 61.6 inches tall – a parking space conqueror! The exterior styling is all about urban chic and practicality, with simple lighting and small wheels perfectly suited for city life. It’s got character in spades!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Smart fortwo coupe is surprisingly spacious for two, with a light and airy feel. The design is quirky and functional, with lots of durable plastics. Tech-wise, it’s pretty old-school: expect a basic stereo and unique EV gauges for charge and range, but no fancy touchscreens or smartphone mirroring. You get a 7.8 cubic foot trunk, which is decent for city essentials, though there’s no frunk. It’s simple, but it gets the job done for urban hops.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect G-forces, but the Smart Electric Drive is surprisingly nippy from a standstill! Its rear-mounted 30 kW (around 40 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor zaps 89 lb-ft of torque instantly to the rear wheels, making it fun for darting through city traffic. The 0-60 mph dash takes a relaxed 11.1 seconds, with a top speed of 62 mph. Its tiny turning circle is a massive win, though the short wheelbase means a choppy ride on rough roads. Regenerative braking helps to claw back some energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2012 Smart Electric Drive fortwo coupe packs a 15.7 kWh usable battery, strictly for city duties. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of about 62 miles – perfect for daily errands, with an efficiency of 3.95 mi/kWh. Charging is via a US-standard Type 1 (J1772) port located on the side. The 3.3 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up from empty in around 5 hours. Don’t go looking for DC fast charging; this early bird sticks to Level 2 AC charging.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Smart fortwo's party trick is its Tridion safety cell, designed to protect occupants. While specific 2012 Electric Drive NHTSA ratings aren't provided in the data, contemporary gas models earned a 4-star overall NHTSA rating. Standard safety kit included the essentials like anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). Advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise or lane assist weren't on the menu for this pioneering city EV; it was all about fundamental safety in a compact package.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

When new, the 2012 Smart Electric Drive likely had a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, with the crucial battery pack covered for around 8 years/100,000 miles. Of course, these have long since expired. The good news? EV maintenance is generally a breeze – no oil changes to worry about! Key things to check on a used model would be battery health and overall condition. For its intended city-hopper role, it was a pretty straightforward little machine.