At the Paris Motor Show, Chinese automotive company Smart revealed the all-electric Smart #2. The move reintroduced the brand's trademark ultra-small two-seater electric vehicle format, according to Electrek.
Here's what to know
With the #2, Electrek said Smart is revisiting the old Fortwo-style formula in a modern-era model. Early European orders open on Oct. 13, and deliveries are scheduled for 2027. It offers up to 180 miles (290 km) of WLTP range.
A 35.8-kilowatt-hour LFP battery and a 60-kilowatt rear motor make up the core drivetrain, and DC fast charging tops out at 65 kW. Smart said that should let the car go from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes.
Compared with the outgoing Smart EQ Fortwo, Electrek noted that is a substantial improvement. The older model had a 17.6-kWh battery, 83 miles (133 km) of WLTP range, and no DC fast charging.
Electrek relayed that Wolfgang Ufer, CEO of Smart Europe, said, "The time is right for the next chapter of the smart two-seater."
German pricing starts at €19,990 (~$22,383 USD) for the Pure trim, and Smart said the same entry price will apply in France and Italy. Higher trims add features including 11-kW AC charging and heated seats.
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Every version includes a 10.1-inch center screen, an 8.8-inch driver display, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and Smart's Pilot Assist.
More background
Its dimensions still reflect Smart's city-first approach. The #2 is just over 9 feet long and is roughly 2 inches (5 centimeters) longer than the old EQ Fortwo. It has a curb-to-curb turning circle of 22.8 feet (6.95 meters).
In dense cities like Paris or Amsterdam, Electrek said a vehicle under 9.2 feet (2.8 meters) long can fit into spaces where larger hatchbacks and crossovers cannot. Still, the #2 is entering a market where buyers have more choices at similar prices.
Renault's Twingo E-Tech also starts at €19,990 in Germany. It has a 27.5-kWh LFP battery, up to 163 miles (262 km) of WLTP range, and 50-kW DC charging. However, it offers four seats and five doors. That could leave the #2 appealing to a narrower slice of buyers.
"They will certainly sell some in Europe, but I am not sure how much because there are many options and increasing competition," an Electrek commenter suggested.
It is also unlikely to make its way to the U.S. as a Chinese-built car with connected service, Electrek said.
What can be done?
Many drivers considering buying an electric vehicle cite lower fuel spending and reduced routine maintenance because EVs do not need oil changes and have fewer moving parts to service.
The #2 also appears more practical for everyday driving than older Smart EVs. Electrek said the company is launching sales through retail partners first, with online ordering planned for the first half of 2027 while EU homologation is still underway.
"It's expensive, but I doubt they're chasing volume," a commenter on Electrek opined. "I'd also expect it to have a higher quality interior than the Twingo. As someone who had a For Two and a Roadster, I'd be tempted."
Where can I learn more?
The small, affordable EV market is evolving as Europe shifts toward smaller electric cars.
• In Europe, automakers are shrinking their EVs to counter SUV bloat and Chinese rivals.
• BYD has launched an affordable top-selling EV in a new overseas market.
• China's best-selling EV now offers 298 miles for about $9,500.
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