Electric Smart

[kenan820]

Hi.  I've been using one of the 451 cruise controls with John_H's in-dash light assembly for almost a year with no issues (other than installer error...think wire cut too short requiring a splice with a soldering gun [DOH!]  ) and loving every minute of it.  In fact, I prefer my smart's cruise to my Highlander's, especially on minor inclines. 

My questions are regarding the announcement of the new electric smartie due out in the 2012 model year.  Have you guys thought about cruises for the electric?  Do you think the current ones would be compatible?  My thoughts are that there would be differences and we'd only know when the cars come out (like the 250 due in the US in October this year).

I love my smartie.  That being said, there's no way I'd buy another smart car without a cruise .  I still am unable to fathom that smartusa has yet to offer it as an option; especially yours  .

Kenan

[admin]

The specs of the electric system have been entirely guarded and we've been unable to get any info whatsoever.  At this point, I can't say with any certainty that our unit would be compatible.  I imagine the harness would be completely different, so at the very least some modification would have to be made.  Worst case scenario is probably that the wires need to be spliced, much like a CDI owner would have to do with our kit, simply because the wire terminals are physically different and not readily available.

However, its also possible that it wouldn't be compatible at all.  They might use a different accelerator pedal (though I don't see why) and in fact the entire car's communication protocol might be different (again, doubtful).  They also might have cruise available by then... who knows.

Its a very good question, Kenan!  But I'm afraid I don't have a good answer.

Art.

[wizard of ahs]

OR, hopefully it IS compatible and all we need is our trusty programmer 

[admin]

Yes, if the unit is electrically and physically compatible then I'm sure we can make the firmware part of it work... and that would only take a quick flash of the programmer.

Art.