From Here on Out, Smart Will Only Sell Electric Cars in the US and Canada

From Road & Track

Thanks to its compact footprint and rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the current ForTwo is actually pretty fun to drive (even if we don't get the Brabus version). The problem is, even though it's inexpensive and fuel efficient, the ForTwo never quite connected with American buyers. Now it seems parent company Daimler wants to make Smart into an even more niche offering-by making the entire lineup electric-only in the US and Canada.

Automotive News reports that Smart will stop building gas-powered ForTwos for the US and Canada later this year. Current plans call for production to stop sometime in April, but gas-powered Smarts will remain on dealer lots until stock runs out. From then on, the only Smarts available here will be battery powered.

Don't expect the electric Smarts to start competing with Tesla, though. The battery powerd ForTwo cranks out 74 horsepower and takes 11.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. It is, however, still rear-wheel drive. Which should help make it a little fun around town.

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