GRA said:
Smart is just too much of a niche of a niche
There is some truth to this.
Smart Electric Drive sold 25% of the total Fortwo's in March 2014.
That is a massive percentage more than Ford sold of the Focus EV compared to the ICE.
Meaning, if you are looking to buy a city car like the Fortwo, then you are far more likely to buy the electric version, especially when the cost difference is very little factoring in the rebates and savings on fuel.
Now, I'll grant the Fortwo is not for everyone, as I completely dismissed the car after a quick bit of research a few years ago, when it was clear the gas model had a poorly rated transmission and was not particularly thrifty on gas compared to a Prius. But the availability of the 3rd generation Smart Electric Drive last year changed my mind.
One test drive in this car was enough to make me buy it on the spot! And this after test driving the Volt the week before!
My wife prefers the Smart over her Mercedes SUV for going to the store and school runs when it's in the driveway (days I'm working from home & weekends).
It's not for everyone, but 90% of the people I talk to are very encouraging and supportive of my purchase.