stevekk Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 Smart Car to stop selling Gas Engines. All Smart Cars will only available in Electric, starting in 2018. http://www.thedrive.com/news/7634/smart-to-go-all-electric-in-north-america-by-2018-daimler-says Steve LIFETIME MEMBER 2011 Born Free Class C OR/ CA border NEWBIE, so I have everything to learn ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 You need to "rethink" (re-word) your topic! Very few are going to click on the link - including me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Smith Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 What is wrong with the topic title? I clicked the link and it is valid Steve and Joy Amateur Radio Operator WZ1T . . . Flex 6600 M, Flex PGXL, Flex TGXL, 2014 Itasca Suncruiser 38Q . . . Lincoln MKX Toad The Kids . . . Yogi the Yorkie passed 10/20/2018. . . Cookie the Chihuahua passed 11/30/2017 . . . Cooper the Aussie Doodle passed 3/10/2020 Abbie and Abel the Doodles . . . Brother and Sister Born 02/02/2020 . . . Lucy the Yorkie . . . and Axel . . .The Bernie Doodle Where We Are Now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 OK, How about a link to USA Today? http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/02/13/mercedes-stop-selling-gas-powered-smart-car-us/97873940/ 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 The folks here that won't click on a link from an established person here are funny. I checked the link and found it to be fine too. Instead of telling others how to post here why not just do your own Google search using the two word search term electric smart, or whatever. That would have taken less time than typing your 19 or so words in you post. "You need to "rethink" (re-word) your topic! Very few are going to click on the link - including me." It seems to be three of us who did click on it to your one. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 I'm not sure if I know anyone who has the gas version or not. I have never been in one but did see a couple of used electric ones a while back. There are some owners on the forums, so perhaps they might let us know what they think? Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark and Dale Bruss Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 There are a lot of gas Smart cars in use by HDTers. They are carried on the trucks. Please click for Emails instead of PM Mark & DaleJoey - 2016 Bounder 33C Tige - 2006 40' Travel SupremeSparky III - 2021 Mustang Mach-e, off the the Road since 2019 Useful HDT Truck, Trailer, and Full-timing Info atwww.dmbruss.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 LOL Kirk, you need to broaden your horizons and venture over to the HDT forum or take a look at our rally picture http://www.hdtrally.com/images/2016/RallyTrucks/2016TruckShoot.jpg 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Guess I didn't realize you were using the gas version, but then I really never gave it much thought, since I don't have a heavy truck. Guess it does make sense tough. So the question is, what do you use when the gas ones are gone, electric? Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 At the rate we are going Kirk, it will not be an issue. Our Smart will be on the road longer than I ever will be. After a year, it has less than 2,500 miles on it so I would have to be driving at over 100 years old to get it to 100,000 miles. As electrics continue to evolve, their range will increase significantly. 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Guess I didn't realize you were using the gas version, but then I really never gave it much thought, since I don't have a heavy truck. Guess it does make sense tough. So the question is, what do you use when the gas ones are gone, electric? I had a 2012 gas smart - that I bought new - and replaced it this past summer with a 2016 gas smart. The issue with the electric - as with most electric vehicles - is range. The smart, in particular, has a very limited electric range. Around 55 miles max in real life on the current model. The model for 2018 is purported to have real life range in the 80's. It is currently being tested in Europe. While that is fine for city use, anything under (around) 85-100 miles is no good for me - I use the car a a touring car (sometimes). It may be that we go back to the truck for longer (daily) trips and use an electric smart for most things. If the range gets up into the 80's that might work. It may also be the case that in a couple of years I'll have an Elio or two stashed in my "long term" locations, so I won't care too much about a longer-range car on the back of the truck. Then the electric would be ideal. Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 Good grief! I didn't realize that it was still that short a range. No wonder that hybrids are outselling electric cars. That makes the Tesla sound better. Tesla Model S Transmission 1-speed fixed gear (9.73:1) Battery 60, 70, 75, 85, 90 or 100 kWh lithium ion Electric range 70 kWh (250 MJ) 240 mi (390 km) (EPA) 85 kWh (310 MJ) 265 mi (426 km) (EPA) 310 mi (500 km) (NEDC) Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 I doubt that with current battery tech that you could squeeze a larger battery pack into its floor space. The Telsa has been 250 miles from the start and the Nissan leaf was, and is an 80 mile - 100 mile range car at best. The reason for hybrids outselling in the Smart and Leaf price range is that there were only the luxury 250 mile range Telsa at the same MSRP price range as the Toyota Land Cruiser, and the Leaf with only the old 80-100 mile range. The ~200 mile Bolt is the only "economy" US manufactured EV in the lower price class ($35k) with 200 mile legs, and they are not widely available. The Telsa Model 3 in that lower price class will be the one to watch. Then as most vehicles begin to be manufactured with autonomous driving as standard in the next ten years, electrics will ,make more sense as the ownership model is changing, especially in cities. Mass transit has always been electric since the late 1800s, because regardless of venting, the tunnels were noxious and uncomfortable with the fumes from the ICE and steam fired by fossil fuels (Coal) and wood. There is new battery technology out there from Harvard that makes storing solar power easily and safely for decades of use here: http://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2017/02/long-lasting-flow-battery-could-run-for-more-than-decade-with-minimum-upkeep?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000618 Now I know not all breakthroughs get to market or pan out. But this one shows real promise for homes and larger storage applications up to grid moderation of solar/wind/geo/hydro power generation. Once autonomous driving becomes the norm RVRs will not need a towed or carried car or cycle. They can just rent an on call electric vehicle. Charging is easily automated. (ever watch the new robot house vacuums charge themselves?) In ten years I will be 75 and will see how the chips fall in reality. One can hope. But once the Tesla Model 3 comes out, there will only be two lower priced 200 mile plus EVs available for about the same price~$35k. The Bolt and the Model 3. GM made the first US BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) but it remains to be seen how the Bolt does in both sales and build quality. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevekk Posted February 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 The new 2017 Chevy BOLT, about $38K retail, has a range of 238 miles. It has a 60 kWh battery. They are for sale here on the west coast. Not sure about the rest of the country. A Dealer in Sacramento area has 32 for sale listed on the internet. Too bad they don't make a electric car you can tow all 4 down. In the process of towing, it charges the batteries. Steve LIFETIME MEMBER 2011 Born Free Class C OR/ CA border NEWBIE, so I have everything to learn ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 In ten years I will be 75 and will see how the chips fall in reality. Damned kids! Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill LeMosy Posted February 15, 2017 Report Share Posted February 15, 2017 I can’t imagine a workable electric Smart. For us it would need a range of 250 miles or more. No other car would fit on back of the Volvo. Plus, double towing is, for me, not an option (I figure 65 feet is long enough). That said, we hope to keep our 2013 Smart going at least another five years, so I’m not losing sleep over this. At 26,000 miles little Yoda should have more than enough life to outlast our RV madness. I still have a couple concerns. To begin with, what about salability of the truck that carries the car. With new Smarts appropriate for HDT RVing no longer be available, the truck becomes less enticing should we try to sell it. Could happen. That five year plan might not pan out. A second concern is maintenance for the Smart. How well will Mercedes dealerships serve gas-powered Smarts once they get to focusing on electric models? Think it’s time for a nap. 2001 Volvo 610 HDT with Smart Car bed and ET Junior hitch 2007 New Horizons Summit 38 2013 Smart for Two 2012 Easy Racer Tour Easy recumbent bicycle "There is no path. Paths are made by walking." – Spanish poet Antonio Machado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefneon Posted February 16, 2017 Report Share Posted February 16, 2017 Howdy! I had our 2016 Smart serviced today in Houston, Tx and when I asked they confirmed that 2017 would be the last of the Gas powered Smarts. They were nice enough to tell me they would continue to service them though. "Happy Trails" Chiefneon "Class of 2007 Fulltimer's" Gary & karen Smoochie & Michaela (fur babies) 2018 Chevorlet 3500 HD/LTZ 2L Custom Hauler 2014 Heartland Cyclone 4000 2016 Smart Car Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 16, 2017 Report Share Posted February 16, 2017 See the new battery tech in my link above guys. All electrics have been sold on the left coast to comply with California's more stringent pollution emissions control laws. But not elsewhere. The are called compliance models. It remains to be seen if GM can follow through after the Tesla Model # is in full swing later this year. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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