The electric vehicle (EV) evolution is happing now! And, sure, while transitioning from combustion engines to electric motoring is good for the environment…driving EVs is actually a lot of fun too.
So, with climate concerns and product innovation in demand, it’s no wonder that smart, the cute, convenient and clever car brand from Mercedes Benz, has taken on the challenge to build a new exciting product. smart engineers, designers and, yes, computer programmers have rethought the entire driving experience to develop a line of EVs that are not only functional, efficient and safe, but also cool, connected and, well, …smart! Introducing smart #1.
So, why go electric anyway? Driving EVs is truly the future. Just consider these benefits of driving a smart #1:
- A truly new, fun, efficient, driving experience
- Tax advantages (in some countries) when buying EVs
- Convenient charging at home or away. No more pumping gas! 360,000 charging points across Europe in the Digital Charging Solutions (DCS) network
- You’re doing your part in lowering emissions and saving the planet.
smart #1 Models
Now that you understand the why, let’s take a look at the “what”? smart designers have developed four models for their EV launch, each with their own personality, style and exclusive options…
Another exciting aspect of the EV revolution is that engineers have the latitude to innovate in technological ways on design, safety, comfort and driving. Some of the advantages of driving smart #1 EVs include…
Connectivity
Do you love the functionality of your phone? The smart #1 is that and more. A 12.8” center console high-def touch screen display is the primary point for managing car settings, consulting the weather, selecting a playlist, radio channel or podcast, as well as other apps and widgets—like Spotify and Tune-In—to make your ride enjoyable. This will be “mission control” for all of your driving and comfort needs. Another 9.2″ full LCD HD display acts as the instrument cluster providing important driving data while keeping eyes forward.
Intelligent Navigation
Built into the smart #1 navigation program are features like Point-of-Interest information and real-time traffic monitoring, adjusting the course if necessary to get you to your destination quicker. And, fear not about driving range and battery charge anxiety. The navigation map shows the range of your current charge and, if a recharge is needed, will suggest charging points along the way to your destination.
Digital Modes
For interior comfort and excitement(!), adjust settings to various cabin atmospheres such as Entertainment mode or Energize mode. There’s even a Pet mode to keep your fur-baby cozy if left alone in the car.
Safety
Safety is tantamount to Mercedes Benz products and the smart #1 is no different. Intuitive intelligent safety features are designed for EV driving such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Evasive Manoeuvre Assist and Fatigue Detection to prevent falling asleep at the wheel.
AI Voice Control
Your phone, watch and refrigerator talk to you, so why not your car? Adjust climate settings, open a window, change navigation and turn-up the volume…all by saying “Hello Smart” and making a request.
Hello smart App
Yes, there’s an app for that! Just download the Hello smart App to your phone and connect to your smart #1. Now you can monitor, in real time from anywhere, important data about your smart #1 such as battery status, vehicle location and tire pressure. You can schedule charging start-and-stop times, set pre-conditioning climate inside your vehicle and adjust seat and steering wheel heating. Stay connected and tailor your next driving experience remotely.
Charging
Perhaps the most important aspect of driving an EV is the convenience of charge-and-go. smart #1 makes charging easy. With the smart Charge@Home, just install a box near an electrical outlet near your parking spot and plug in. It’s a habit you’ll, no doubt get used to, just like charging your mobile phone. smart Charge@Home also has a park and charge authorization, preventing unauthorized vehicles to use your charging point.
With smart Charge@Street you’ll be able to use virtually any public charging point. However, your smart #1 comes with a RFID card providing access to the over 360,000 Digital Charging Solutions (DCS) charging points across Europe.
You can monitor your charging progress as well as battery capacity on your Hello smart app on your phone.
The electric driving evolution is taking place now. smart #1 makes it easy for you to participate in the transition. Perhaps now is the time to schedule a smart #1 test drive.
[Editors Note: for all the EV-resisters out there, I have to say…..just give it a try. EV driving is a completely different experience than combustion engine driving. Of course, petrol cars are what you are used too. But, if you like gadgets, love the functionality of your phone, get a thrill from rapid acceleration and zen-out in quiet settings, then you will love EV driving.]