Smart are launching an electric version of the ForTwo. and they are doing like Renault and renting the battery to the car buyer. Kind of solves the problem of long-term holding charge, doesn't it?

Renting the battery? That's a new one on me...... How much is the battery to rent?

Smart has announced details and prices for the ForTwo electric, which will be available with a battery leasing scheme that's similar to the one offered by Renault with the Twizy.

UK pricing hasn't been announced but German prices for the ForTwo electric start at 19,900 Euros for the Coupe, or 15,890 Euros if the customer chooses the 65 Euro per month battery leasing scheme.

Smart expects most of its customers to choose the rental arrangement, as it comes with the added benefit of a 10-year guarantee. This means the firm will guarantee the lithium-ion battery pack will maintain 80 per cent of its performance for at least 10 years.

The ForTwo electric has a range of 90 miles and can be fully charged in seven hours from a standard household (220V) socket, with an optional quick-charge system reducing that time to one hour.

The Smart ForTwo electric will go on sale in the UK during the first quarter of 2013 in both Coupe and Cabrio form, with prices expected to start from £14,000.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoe ... z1zaUBpwlJ

And this is what Renault says about their battery rental:

The ultra-compact footprint of Renault Twizy (length: 2,338 millimeters / width: 1,237 millimeters / height: 1,454 millimeters) is ideally suited to city motoring. It will go on sale in Europe early 2012 with a price tag beginning at €6,990 inclusive of taxes, depending on the fiscal measures available in each country.

Like for other Z.E. vehicles, Renault Twizy customers will lease the battery. The monthly subscription starts at €45 inclusive of taxes for an annual distance travelled of 7,500km, a figure which covers the vast majority of ordinary motorists' requirements.

Renault Twizy's running costs – insurance, maintenance and energy (battery lease and electricity for recharging) – are just as modest, working out at 15 percent lower than those of a three-wheeled scooter.

Looks like you've convinced yourself to get one. I think I'd rather wait and see if the hype turns out to be true.

wozza wrote:Looks like you've convinced yourself to get one. I think I'd rather wait and see if the hype turns out to be true.

Just reporting the facts, guv.nor.

Mind you going by Renault's record for the highest number of new cars failing their first MOT, I don't hold out much for their promises.

If I was using household mains my first cheap electric paid for itself after 7,142 miles purely on saved bike fuel - less if you count not needing engine service, oil, plugs etc.
Plus the short trips don't knacker it like they would a petrol engine.

They should be offering ways of generating the electricity as part of the vehicle package. Then you get free fuel and it has no emissions at all

That's two signed up then.

Only one really
You can't count StephenC, I don't think he has decided yet.

Thinking about it is less than one; must be minus 16,999,999 because 17 million people bought electrics last year - they definately won't be buying again this year