Wheels of innovation: Research&Development expedition to the North Cape
5000 kilometers, 13 days and 4 cars – with smart Europe´s Research & Development team through diverse landscapes from Stuttgart to the North Cape
With two smart #1* and two smart #3** of the BRABUS line, the team started on January 22 in Stuttgart. Via Inlandsvägen, Sweden, they reached the North Cape on February 1. Once here, the team reunited in Stuttgart on February 3.
The expedition to the North Cape served as an eventful test track to put the smart #1 and #3 through its paces. It was an outstanding team-building experience and a perfect opportunity to witness the team's work in action. The results? Outstanding! Despite the low temperatures and long journeys, smart cars proved to be reliable companions!
Throughout the expedition, the team faced difficult weather conditions characterized by a heavy snowstorm, freezing temperatures and strong winds. Road closures hampered the work of the R&D team, forcing them to turn back and find a hotel in a village with only 48 inhabitants that could accommodate them in the off-season. Ultimately, the success of their journey depended on adapting to the weather and realizing that it was beyond their control. Despite everything, the team persevered and successfully reached the North Cape.
The successful testing of the vehicle under these difficult conditions and the associated collection of important data for further research and development and for the improvement of smart vehicles was a great success. This expedition underscores smart's commitment to continually improve and test its products, demonstrating the brand's dedication to providing customers with the best possible products and services.
An efficient charging experience
To ensure an efficient route, the R&D team pre-planned charging stations along the route before driving to the North Cape. Leveraging the Hello smart app, the team gained a comprehensive overview of crucial information related to the charging stations. This included details such as opening times, availability, plug types, locations, and prices, allowing for seamless and informed decision-making throughout the expedition.
Benefiting from the robust network of smart partner Digital Charging Network (DCS), the team had access to over 460,000 charging points across Europe. Charging smart vehicles from 10% to 80% under optimal conditions takes less than 30 minutes*** with 150 kW DC technology or less than three hours with 22 kW AC technology. However, as the temperature of the battery dropped during the journey due to the weather conditions, this affected the performance and therefore the charging speed. The battery's preheating function was particularly helpful in compensating for this. But even with longer charging times, the team used the time to work together or relax in the modern and spacious interior of the smart vehicles.
The smart #1 and #3 exhibited consistent and reliable charging behavior across multiple chargers throughout the trip. The 150 kW DC high-power charging and the 22 kW AC charging option were particularly beneficial on the return journey. The onboard charger enhanced the efficiency of our breaks, while the platooned DC charging curve gave us peace of mind during this fantastic trip.
The fact that two of the four vehicles were equipped with roof racks and the need to heat extensively due to the cold weather led to a 25% increase in overall energy consumption compared to driving in warmer temperatures. Despite these challenges, the electric vehicles performed well in the difficult conditions, proving their resilience and efficiency even under adverse circumstances.
The success of the trip can be attributed to the smart #1 and #3's enduring and efficient battery, along with a comprehensive charging system. The vehicles' spacious interior, advanced connectivity, entertainment features, and impressive towing capacity further contributed to the overall triumph of the journey.
smart #1 and #3 – a perfect companion even in icy temperatures
Traveling at this time of year can pose challenges for electric cars. Among other things, low temperatures can affect the range of cars. All the better that the smart R&D team took the smart #1 and #3 under the microscope on their trip to the North Cape – at temperatures as low as minus 16 degrees.
In Scandinavia, where most vehicles navigate snow-covered terrain with spiked tires, the smart #3's all-wheel electric drive demonstrated remarkable efficiency, showcasing the electric vehicle's capability to navigate challenging conditions without compromising environmental consciousness. It is noteworthy that during the team’s tests, they opted for high-performance EU winter tires instead of the traditional spiked ones, and not even specific Scandinavian winter tires were utilized.
An intelligent all-wheel drive uses the friction of each individual wheel with the road to obtain maximum traction. The smart all-wheel drive vehicles are therefore the optimal car for Scandinavia or other mountain travel.
The weather conditions during the trip were the most severe in 30 years, marked by an unexpected and intense snowstorm. The icy temperatures and strong winds presented the team with challenges that made it difficult to operate the cameras and highlighted the harsh conditions they were exposed to. Despite these adversities, the cars performed exceptionally well. All four vehicles operated without any issues, demonstrating their resilience even in the conditions of -16 degrees Celsius.
A notable advantage during the cold weather was the standard feature of heated seats and steering wheel heating in the smart #1 and #3, which is now available free of charge for all available lines via an Over-the-Air update (OTA). Installing the OTA update can be done with just a few simple clicks. If you encounter issues while installing the OTA system update, please approach your dedicated smart dealership.
