The wheels were already turning as I made ready to move into my new home. I had previously noted the existence of an electric vehicle charging station
and I knew instinctively that I was going to have to find a way to put it to use. After all, despite the resistance to (and I freely admit my participation) new forms of fuel, there is a part of me that believes electric vehicles are the wave of the future (at least until fusion power becomes the norm).
I did some research. I went to CarMax and looked at a used Nissan Leaf. I went to a Chevy dealer and checked out Motor Trend’s 2017 Car of the Year, the Bolt. I read about BMW’s i3 (and oh-so-sexy i8!). But YIKES, the cost of these cars — even used!
But one car came across my browser page: The smart fortwo electric coupe. Designed and sold by Mercedes-Benz (the name is actually an acronym: “Swatch, Mercedes ART”), this little two-seater has a quirky appeal (to me, at least). I don’t need a new car; my 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350C4 with only 19,000 miles on it is just a doggone fun — and attractive — car. And I’m going to keep it!
I found several smart electrics (or “ED” as they are unfortunately named) in the area. I went and looked at one in a lot, and kept coming back to one I saw online. I called the dealer, an independent used car seller, and said I wanted to check it out.
And check it out I did. In fact, I wrote a check and drove it out (away)!
It’s a 2015 and had 17,400 miles on it. I put $1,800 of tires, brakes and service into it to bring it to manufacturer’s spec, and now it’s my “local runabout.” It has a range of about 90 miles, and a top speed of about 76 mph. A/C AM/FM with AUX and USB inputs, a charging plug (for my phone) and surprisingly roomy!
I’m not sure where this is going to lead me. I’ve been saying this is my way of dipping my toes into the EV pond. Time will tell.
