New Smart Forvision electric concept: All you need to know

First look

One of the leading eco-friendly automakers in the world, Smart is ready to debut their latest creation at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. Dubbed the Smart Forvision Electric Concept, the vehicle was developed in collaboration with the world’s largest chemical company, BASF. The Forvision runs on a platform that was developed by Daimler (Smart’s parent company) in collaboration with the Renault-Nissan coalition, hence there are expected to be more than a few similarities between Renault’s Twingo and the next-gen Fortwo.

Smart Forvision electric concept

The machine

The Smart Forvision Electric Concept houses a bunch of transparent solar cells on top of its roof that use a light-activated organic dye to create energy that juices the climate control and multimedia systems of the car even in lowered light conditions. What’s even better is that the handy see-through PVs also serve as light-emitting diodes that can light up the exterior and the cabin. The next-gen rear-mounted RWD electric drive system from Smart powers the Forvision and Daimler says that it adds a cool 20 % to the vehicles range taking the number to 110 miles on a full charge.

What’s good?

The body of the car is crafted in non-traditional lightweight materials including epoxy resins reinforced with carbon fiber (that are up to 50% the weight of steel) used in making the body panels, lightweight plastic (yes, plastic) wheels, and a light seating foam wrapped in an innovative heated e-textile that reduces the burden on the cabin heating system.

What’s not so good?

Most concepts have a deceitful way of not having many flaws. Of course ground reality is what separates the men from the boys and the Smart Forvision’s warts and weaknesses will only be exposed if and when the EV makes its way into reality from the glossy renders out to the unforgiving streets.

Accessories

Other innovations on the concept include an infrared-reflective tint on the windows that glass flake-embedded special metallic-looking paint that act as a heat shielding layer and keep the cabin cool in the summer months.

Things to watch out for

The eye-catching deep-offset split-spoke plastic wheels that Daimler claims are up to 7 lbs lighter than the traditional wheel have got to be the most dramatic innovation on the Forvision.

Price and availability

The production of the Forvision concept hasn’t exactly been confirmed by Smart though there is a fair chance that some of the tech featured in the EV can make its way into the third-gen Fortwo that gets a 2012 release.

Picture Gallery

Smart Forvision electric concept

Smart Forvision electric concept will be revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Industry buzz:

Head of BASF Polymer Research, Dr. Christian Fischer says:

We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel

With the Forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler's think tank for urban mobility. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle. In conjunction with Smart's revolutionary DNA, we have designed a vehicle that is so unique that we can't wait to take it out of the research laboratory and onto the roads!

Famed as a true pioneer when it comes to urban mobility, Smart is really good at anticipating the future trend in the segment and has always provided practical solutions to inner city-specific vehicle development. The Smart Forvision electric drive highlights the company’s commitment to wards creating an energy efficient, lightweight EV design that addresses key issues like temperature management within electric vehicles as well as their practicality for urban users. Ready for the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt later in the month, the joint concept vehicle is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated showings in its class in at the event.