2016 Smart Fortwo on 2040-cars

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Daimler wants to cut EV research spending as it preps EQ

Daimler AG is hoping that the legwork it's done preparing its EQ electric-vehicle sub-brand will allow it to slightly reduce annual spending on plug-in vehicle technology. The Mercedes-Benz parent is looking to cut electric-vehicle research-and-development spending to $13.2 billion in 2017 from about $15.4 billion this year, Bloomberg News says, citing comments Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche made to journalists in Hamburg, Germany, this week. Daimler's annual R&D spending is up from about $11.5 billion in both 2013 and 2014. Like its competitors – for example Audi and BMW and its i sub-brand – Daimler is aiming to have as much as 25 percent of its annual vehicle sales be battery-electric within the next 10 years as part of an effort to meet stricter greenhouse-gas emissions mandates in both Europe and North America. In fact, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler's Smart division collectively have at least 10 electric-vehicle models on their slates during the next few years, though Zetsche said the German automaker will continue to find ways to make its gas- and diesel-powered vehicles more fuel-efficient as well. Daimler introduced a concept version of the Generation EQ electric SUV at the Paris Motor Show late last month. It comes powered by two electric motors and is made up of a combination of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and boasts a 311-mile single-charge range (on the relatively lenient European testing standards). The SUV also has 402 horsepower, and the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds. Zetsche said at the time that Daimler was prepping powertrains and platforms for electric sedans, wagons, coupes, and roadsters, in addition to SUVs. Additionally, Daimler's Deutsche Accumotive unit is producing the lithium-ion battery packs for the EQs. Featured Gallery Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Concept: Paris 2016 View 19 Photos News Source: Bloomberg News via Automotive News-sub.req. Green Mercedes-Benz smart Electric eq mercedes eq

Smart Forease+ adds a fabric roof to electric speedster concept

We aren't sure what the Smart Forease+ previews, if anything, but the 21-year-old microcar brand is bringing the diminutive concept to the Geneva Motor Show. This is an update on the Forease - no "+" - concept it debuted as last year's Paris Motor Show. The big change is that the Forease+ has a speedster-type roof, consisting of a hard fabric shell with a soft fabric cover. The removable roof in a "rough amber" color locks into the top rail of the chopped windscreen and at two openings on the rear corner. There's nowhere to store the fabric expanse inside the coupe, so going without means trusting the weather. As with last year's Forease, the Forease+ has no side or rear windows. Nor does it have any climate control; the vent housings remain, but they are filled with supplementary gauges like a battery charge display and a clock. With the supplemental roof, Smart says the Forearse+ is "more than suited to all weather conditions in cities." Not much else has changed from the last concept. The green highlights in the Paris example have turned to amber, such as in the front vents and the speaker grilles. The tri-LED headlights are exposed, no longer behind glass. The instrument panel is stitched up in amber Nappa leather. And the seat belts are illuminated. The Forease+ is based on the production Smart EQ, and we wish we could see something good coming from it. As the brand transitions to an all-electric lineup and figures out a future potentially without Renault, what's one to do with another impractical-looking exercise that "develops the predecessor's minimalistic idea?"

New Car2go Regional Access shares carsharing between US, Canada

The 13 various North American Car2go services are about to play together a lot nicer. With the new "Regional Access" plan, every North American Car2go member will be able to use his or her membership from one city in another. This was previously available within the US to US-based members who wanted to use their accounts in another US city, but now US users can drive in the three Canadaian Car2go cities - Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver - and vice versa. Regional Access starts May 5 (so, sadly, not in time for any Star Wars Day shenanigans you may have planned), and does not cost any extra to use. Of course, opening up more cars to the current membership by definition increases the amount of possible Car2go trips, so it makes a lot of sense for Car2go to offer this upgrade for free. Sadly, European cities are not included in this change, but we hope that happens in the near future. If you have a Car2go account but haven't been using it because of recent price hikes (we're looking at you, Austin airport parking), then check out Free2go, an app that tells you which of the Car2go Smart Fortwo vehicles near you need a fill-up. Since Car2go provides users with 20 free minutes if they refill a car with a gas tank that is less than a quarter full, Free2go is a way to get some time credited to your account. This bonus is not applicable in cities with electric Car2go fleets, like San Diego. Dear car2go Member, We are proud to share some exciting news with you. At car2go, we've heard from many of you about the need for more transportation options in your city – and we listened. We've updated our Terms and Conditions and Trip Processes in preparation for more exciting features to come that will enhance your car2go experience. In fact, starting May 5th, 2014, we'll be giving our members the opportunity to take advantage of our first major upgrade (for free!): car2go Regional Access. This allows all North American car2go members to use the car2go service in any of car2go's 13 cities across the U.S. and Canada. So, what does this mean for existing members? As we prepare to expand into more innovative mobility options, all members will be required to accept the new Terms and Conditions and Trip Processes, which will go into effect on May 5th, 2014, more details on the changes can be found in the document here.