I don't have this problem with the Smart, the battery is under the floor on the passenger side, so about .5m of cable and an inline fuse will give my my 12v and a Ground straight off the battery terminals without making holes in the car

I really do love this car, now it's run in a little more it really goes some too. Can't wait to get the empeg in it, the Karma is not so good for use while driving.

Cheers

Cris.