2011 smart fortwo electric drive cabriolet

Overview

The 2011 smart fortwo electric drive (ED) cabriolet represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban mobility for the North American market. As the second generation of the electric fortwo, this model was part of a strategic pilot program launched by Daimler AG to test the viability of battery-electric vehicles in dense metropolitan environments. Unlike its internal combustion counterparts, the 2011 electric drive utilized a 30 kW permanent magnet motor, offering a silent, emission-free driving experience tailored specifically for short-range commuting and city navigation.

Engineering-wise, the vehicle was built upon the robust “tridion” safety cell architecture, which remained a hallmark of the smart brand. The integration of the electric powertrain required significant packaging adjustments, with the lithium-ion battery pack positioned beneath the floor to maintain the vehicle’s signature compact footprint and low center of gravity. The cabriolet variant added a layer of open-air versatility, featuring a retractable fabric roof that could be operated at any speed, further emphasizing its appeal as a lifestyle-oriented city car.

Marketed primarily through lease-only programs in its initial US rollout, the 2011 electric drive was not widely available for retail purchase, making it a rare sight on American roads. Its legacy is defined by its role as a precursor to the mass-market electrification efforts that would follow later in the decade. While its range and charging speeds were modest by modern standards, the vehicle successfully demonstrated the practicality of the micro-car segment in an electrified format, influencing the design philosophy of subsequent smart models and urban EV concepts.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	smart
Model	fortwo electric drive cabriolet
Model Year	2011
Generation	2nd Generation (451)
Trim	Electric Drive
Body Style	2-Door Convertible
Vehicle Segment	Microcar
Vehicle Class	Two Seaters
Market	USA
Platform	W451
Assembly Plant	Hambach, France
Country of Origin	France
Production Start	2010
Production End	2012
VIN Identifier	WME
Base MSRP	–
Destination Charge	–
Total MSRP	–
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Electric
Horsepower	40 hp (30 kW)
Torque	89 lb-ft
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (A1)
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Electricity
EPA City MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	94
EPA Highway MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	79
EPA Combined MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	87
Estimated Driving Range	63 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	–
CO₂ Emissions	0 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	10
Smog Rating	10
Electric Vehicle System
Battery Supplier	Tesla Motors
Battery Chemistry	Lithium-ion
Gross Battery Capacity (kWh)	16.5
Usable Battery Capacity (kWh)	14.0
System Voltage	–
Number of Motors	1
Combined Output	30 kW
Combined Torque	89 lb-ft
EPA Range (Miles)	63
On-board Charger Power (kW)	3.3
AC Charging Power	3.3 kW
DC Fast Charging Power	–
Charge Port	J1772
Charging Standard (CCS1/NACS)	–
DC Charge Time (10-80%)	–
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)	No
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)	No
Heat Pump	No
Performance
0-30 mph	6.5 seconds
0-60 mph	–
Top Speed	62 mph
Power-to-Weight Ratio	–
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	106.1
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	61.4
Height (in)	60.7
Wheelbase (in)	73.5
Curb Weight (lbs)	1800
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	7.8
Turning Circle	28.7 ft
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	–
Instrument Cluster	Analog with EV Gauge
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	AM/FM/CD
Speaker Count	2
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 yr / 50,000 mi
EV Battery Warranty	4 yr / 50,000 mi
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Transmission Supplier	–
Safety Recall Count	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2011 smart fortwo electric drive is primarily a collector’s item or a niche urban runabout rather than a practical daily driver for the modern era. Reliability is generally solid regarding the electric powertrain, though prospective buyers should be wary of battery degradation, as the original 16.5 kWh packs are now well beyond their expected service life. Common issues include the failure of the onboard charging module and the degradation of the soft-top mechanism in the cabriolet models. In the used market, these vehicles are valued for their historical significance as early-adopter EVs, but they lack the range, safety features, and charging speeds required for contemporary commuting, making them best suited for short-distance neighborhood use or as a unique piece of automotive history.