This is the 2017 Smart fortwo electric drive

[Suarez™]

Smart’s latest EV, the 2017 fortwo electric drive, makes its world debut at the 2016 Paris motor show and goes on sale here next spring, with the convertible coming in summer. Smart boss Annette Winkler calls the upcoming car the ideal city car, adding that the electric drive makes it “a little bit more perfect.” She also points out that Smart’s whole lineup -- fortwo, cabrio and forfour -- will soon be available as EVs, making Smart the only automaker offering its whole model range with a choice of internal-combustion or electric power.

The powertrain, battery and rear-mounted 80-hp electric motor produces 118 lb-ft (up 19 percent) and a 99-mile range, and top speed is electronically limited to 81 mph. The car can be charged in 2.5 hours, twice as fast as the outgoing model, while an app allows you to monitor the charging levels and adjust the climate control while the car is charging.