Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes Benz is all set to debut a self-driving, electric smart car at the upcoming motor show at Frankfurt next month. The company envisions that the SmartVision EQ fortwo Concept will make a mark for car sharing services in European cities. With the vision that the vehicle will be cited as a white and blue Car2Go vehicle, the company wants to grow the pool of its 2.6 million car-sharing customers.
Smart Vision EQ Lacks Conventional Features, LED Panels Replace Headlamps
Regarding the features of the vehicle, there are no controls and it lacks a steering wheel and conventional pedals. Previously, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz offerings have experimented with joysticks and non-conventional means to operate driving functions. However, with the Smart EQ concept, Daimler can foresee that the future need to be on the lines of a driver’s car.
Besides this, conventional headlamps have been replaced by LED panels that can imitate different appearances. While the appearance is similar to a Smart when blank, there is speculation that the Smart Vision EQ concept is set to let go convention even on the exterior.
Smart is going all-electric in the U.S. as it is in the mode to discontinue gasoline-powered vehicles for electric drive coupes and convertibles. The concept employs a 30 kWh electric motor, which may sound small but could be workable considering its minute dimensions.
Nevertheless, a Smart that incorporates some of the aforementioned ideas is not too unlikely. Mercedes-Benz is expected to introduce its dedicated electric EQ brand shortly and has plans to add 10 dedicated electric vehicles by 2022, which includes a new Smart and a large SUV.