# Miniature Electric Trucks The Smart For-Us EV Debuts at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show By Michael Hines | Published 2012-01-12 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-for-us-ev References: [carbuzz](http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/1/9/Thinking-Different-smart-for-us-EV-Debuts-at-Detroit-7706706/) & [smartusa](http://www.smartusa.com/) The Smart For-Us EV is an [electric mini-truck](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chevrolet-silverado-ev-zr2) designed for those who love the outdoors and are environmentally conscious. The truck is designed to seat two and is powered by a 55 kilowatt Magneto-electric motor producing a top speed of 75 miles per hour. The Smart For-Us EV has a unique look to say the least. The compact truck has a small bed designed specifically to hold and charge [electric bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fastport-equad) built by Smart. The new concept seems to be slightly bigger than Smart’s existing ForTwo which should help attract more drivers to it. Smart may not be a huge car company, but they have carved out a small niche among the big name brands and have rightfully earned their place on the road. If the For-Us were to go into production it would be a great measuring stick to just how comfortable Americans are with the smaller and greener future of the automobile. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Electric Mini-trucks:** The rise of electric mini-trucks presents an opportunity for manufacturers to tap into the growing market of environmentally conscious consumers. - **Smart Vehicles:** The unique design and functionality of Smart vehicles like the For-Us EV showcase the potential for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry. - **Compact Eco-friendly Concepts:** The development of compact eco-friendly concepts, such as the Smart For-Us EV, indicates a shift towards smaller, more sustainable transportation options. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** The automotive industry has an opportunity for disruptive innovation by embracing the production of electric mini-trucks like the Smart For-Us EV. - **Electric Vehicle Manufacturing:** As electric vehicles gain popularity, the electric vehicle manufacturing industry can leverage the demand for compact and environmentally friendly vehicles like the Smart For-Us EV. - **Outdoor Equipment:** The integration of electric bicycle charging capabilities in mini-trucks like the Smart For-Us EV creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the outdoor equipment industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rapid Charge Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-suv-ev.md) - [Inaugural Midsized Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-5.md) - [Electric Miniature Pickup Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telo.md) - [Mini Off-Road Electric Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-pickup-truck.md) - [Two-Seater Solar-Powered EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-ftme.md) - [Performance-Grade Electric Pickup Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isuzu-dmax-ev.md) - [Micro Kei-Style Electric Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telo-truck.md) - [High-Powered Electric Pick-Up Trucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/f100-eluminator.md) - [Petite Solar-Powered EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-ev.md)