By Cat DiStasio / Inhabitat

Smart-EV-Coupe-889x456

Starting next year, Smart will offer an electric version of every model in its lineup. The company, owned by Mercedez-Benz, is well known as the maker of tiny smart cars and this historic move also makes it the first car company to offer an electric option on its entire line, even if that only includes three models. Although many details aren’t available yet, this marks an exciting development in the electric vehicle industry and for Smart, a small company trying to make a big impact on automotive innovations as well as the environment.

Smart is perhaps best known for its tiny, cute Fortwo, the electric commuter car which first debuted in 2011. The company has since become synonymous with electric cars, so much so that most people don’t even realize they produce non-electric models. Beginning with 2017, all three of Smart’s car models will be sold with the option to be all-electric, which marks a giant leap forward for the tiny car maker.

The company announced the change via Twitter, saying all three models in its lineup—Fortwo, Fortwo cabriolet, and Forfour sedan—will be available with Smart Electric Drive. The batteries will have a range up to 99 miles, and its smaller battery can be fully charged in about two and a half hours. Pricing for the electric versions of the existing models hasn’t been released, but some speculate Smart will announce an update at the Paris Motor Show next month.

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