In BriefAutomobile

Aznom turns old Smarts into lightweight electric vehicles

The electric Smart Fortwo is no longer in production. However, the Italian car manufacturer Aznom offers to install electric drives in older Smarts instead. First-generation petrol-powered Smart Fortwo cars are thus transformed into L6e and L7e lightweight electric vehicles that are supposed to appeal to young people.

The first generation of the Smart two-seater is cult. It was produced from 1998 to 2007 and is now rarely seen on the road. Aznom Automotive, an Italian company from Monza, has developed a conversion kit for the first-generation Smart Fortwo and is refurbishing the vehicles so that they fulfil the criteria of vehicle classes L6e and L7e after being converted to electric drive. As is known, this includes a maximum output of 15 kW and a maximum kerb weight of 450 kg (both for L7e). The speed is limited to 45 kph (L6e) or 90 km/h (L7e). The throttled motorisation means the light electric vehicles can be driven from the age of 16 or 15.

This is a lucrative target group for Aznom Automotive, as the Italians call their converted two-seaters ‘Smart4Teen.’ In the L7e version, the late-night electric cars have an output of 15 kW and an 11.4 kWh battery. On the other hand, the price is not for the faint-hearted: it starts at 24,339 euros.

carscoops.com, aznomautomotive.com