Smart: And hybrids are expensive?

Is it really that cute?

Are hybrid cars cost-effective? That depends, but compared to the new Smart ForTwo Highstyle, I'd say hybrids like the Toyota Prius are a fantastic deal.

According to reports, the ForTwo Highstyle will begin at $22,461 for the 71-hp version.

I guess at that cost, a hybrid version is out of the question.

Car2go: A micro hybrid can be Smart

Pay as you go car sharing

Daimler has picked Austin, TX as the first US city to try its Car2go pay-as-you-go city transportation program.

Under Car2go, much like the Parisian Velib program, participants simply grab a car when they need one and leave it wherever they are when they don't need it - within a certain geographical area of course. Membership is free and the cost is just 19 cents per minute. (For more click here).

Smart will use micro hybrids - Smart cars with start stop technology that will enable these autos to shut the engine off when at rest to increase fuel efficiency and emissions reductions. Soon, however, Smart EVs could also be added to the program.

Now that's a very Smart idea.

Sam's Club to sell lithium powered Smart Car?

Once in Lifetime Package

"The 2007 Hybrid Technologies lithium-powered Smart Car is a zero-emission vehicle and features cutting-edge technology from NASA, while being cool enough for A-list celebrities, including George Clooney, who owns a similar model. The national space center contributed space-based intelligence for the car’s advanced battery system. This unique gift package also includes a behind-the-scenes VIP trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to witness a shuttle launch first-hand. This package is offered for $35,000."

"We're offering the fully electric Smart Car to Sam's Club members as it represents the latest in advanced lithium technology. This vehicle, originally developed under a Space Act Agreement with NASA, has created a strong following throughout environmental, celebrity and automotive circles. This Limited Edition STS-118 Smart Car will be the perfect addition for car collectors or environmentalists wanting to make a difference by driving a zero-emissions vehicle," said Richard Griffiths, Strategic Relations for Hybrid Technologies.

Smart going hybrid?

Mild hybrid, gas hybrid or diesel hybrid, it's your choice?

At Live Earth Smart showed off a number of new ForTwo vehicles, including a number of hybrid cars according to Edmunds.

By next year, the ForTwo mild hybrid could be available in the States. According to Smart the mild hybrid could achieve around 66 mpg and a top speed of 90 mph.

In addition, Smart also showed off two diesel hybrids - full hybrids. One diesel hybrid, a concept vehicle, achieves a whopping 97 mpg and a top speed of 84 mph, while the almost ready ForTwo CDI diesel hybrid achieves 86 mpg and a similar top speed. While the mild hybrid ForTwo can go 0 - 60 in just over 13 seconds, the diesel hybrid concept takes almost 16 seconds and the CDI takes almost 20 seconds.

Still, for light use commuting vehicles, this kind of fuel economy is simply fantastic despite the lack of quickness.