Smart Cars

I am from Oregon and since we seem to be the "Tree-Hugger"state of the world, I am never surprised to see the newest fuel efficient/ozone saving/economy helping cars driving around my little town. In fact, if you were to drive a hummer or a similar gas guzzler, don't be shocked if you get several rude hand gestures by passionate earth lovers while driving our streets.

This last Christmas, I saw several smart cars. I was curious to see why anyone in their right mind would sit in a tiny little car and feel safe driving the dangerous roads. But after searching the smart cars website (smartusa.com), I learned a little more about why these cars will be more and more popular as years go by.

This came directly from their website: "The smart fortwo electric drive will be equipped with a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery powering a 30 kW motor positioned over the rear drive wheels. The battery can be charged with either 100V or 220V systems and will require between 3.5 and 8 hours of charging time, depending on the voltage used and the starting state of the battery charge. An 85 mile range is anticipated."

That blew me away! I did not expect it to have such a large range for being an electrically charged car, and now I see why so many Oregonians are investing in these little fun-size vehicles.