Smart Vehicle Dealership Opening in Santa Monica

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to drive the Smart car, you'll get your chance during a 10-day promotion in Santa Monica.

The automaker Smart Automobile, a branch of Daimler AG, is opening a "pop-up" dealership on Friday in Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, next to Nordstrom.

Test drives of the Smart Electric Drive, billed as the car with the smallest footprint and most affordable electric vehicle, will be available from Friday to Sunday, April 28.

Drivers can put the car through its paces Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

According to the Smart website, a single charge of the Smart Electric Drive's lithium-ion battery gives the car a range of 68 miles. The microcar can be charged using a household plug, but a charging station installed at home reduces the charge time from 12 hours to about six hours. The manufacturer claims Smart Electric Drive achieves the equivalent of 122 city miles per gallon. 

The electric car lists at $25,000 for the Coupe version and $28,000 for the Cabriolet.

The Smart promotion is part of Earth Day events that will include free coffee for test drivers; a performance by Skylar Grey on Sunday, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; "eco-conscious food" and beverage samplings prepared by Chef CJ Jacobson of Top Chef on Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and a Winnie & Kat Fashion Trunk Show on Sunday, April 28, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.