By Smart is bringing its smallest car back for the electric era. The new Smart #2 revives the spirit of the two-seat Fortwo while adding a larger battery, faster charging and modern electric vehicle technology.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has now revealed details of the production version, giving a clearer look at the compact EV ahead of its official debut.
A Familiar Idea With a New Electric Identity
The original Smart Fortwo became famous for its tiny dimensions and two-seat layout. The model ended production in 2024 after three generations.
The Smart #2 follows the same basic concept. It uses two doors, two seats and a very compact body designed primarily for urban driving.
Smart first showed the new model as a concept in April. The production version stays close to that design, although it drops some of the more unusual concept features. The result is a small city car that focuses on easy manoeuvrability rather than long-distance performance.
Compact Dimensions Make City Driving Its Strength
The Smart #2 measures just 2,764 mm long, 1,669 mm wide and 1,555 mm tall. Its wheelbase stretches to 1,875 mm. These dimensions make the EV significantly smaller than most modern crossovers and SUVs.
| Specification | Smart #2 |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,764 mm |
| Width | 1,669 mm |
| Height | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,875 mm |
| Motor | Rear-mounted electric motor |
| Motor Output | 80 hp / 60 kW |
| Battery Chemistry | LFP |
| Expected Battery Capacity | 35.7 kWh for European version |
| Estimated Range | Around 300 km |
| Top Speed | 130 km/h |
| Charging | 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes |
| Vehicle-to-Load | Available |
The vehicle weighs around 1,130 kg, while its top speed stands at 130 km/h. As a result, the Smart #2 is clearly designed for city streets rather than high-speed motorway travel.
A Major Improvement in Electric Range
One of the biggest changes comes from the battery and range. Smart previously indicated that the European version would use a 35.7 kWh battery and achieve a manufacturer-estimated range of around 300 km. That represents a huge improvement over the original Smart EQ Fortwo.
The 2017 Smart EQ Fortwo sold in the US had an EPA-estimated range of only 58 miles. The new model’s projected range of around 186 miles therefore offers more than three times the distance on a charge.
The final official range figure may vary depending on the market and testing procedure.
Simple Rear-Wheel Drive Setup
The Chinese version of the Smart #2 uses a rear-mounted electric motor producing 80 horsepower.
Infimotion supplies the motor, while the lithium-iron-phosphate battery uses cells from CATL. Geely, which owns 50% of Smart, handles the final battery assembly. Mercedes-Benz owns the other half of the Smart brand. The rear-wheel-drive layout also maintains an important connection with the brand’s traditional approach to small city cars.
Faster Charging Adds More Convenience
Range is not the only area where the Smart #2 improves over its predecessor. Smart says the new EV can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes. That means drivers should be able to add a substantial amount of usable energy during a relatively short stop.
The vehicle also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology. This allows the battery to supply electricity to compatible external devices, appliances or tools.
Built for Tight Urban Streets
The Smart #2’s small footprint is arguably its biggest advantage. At less than 2.8 metres long, the EV should be much easier to manoeuvre through crowded streets and narrow parking spaces than today’s larger electric SUVs. Its compact dimensions also make it well suited to dense urban areas where parking space remains limited.
The 130 km/h top speed further shows where Smart expects the car to spend most of its time.
How the New Model Compares With the Old Fortwo
The new Smart #2 retains the basic idea of the original Fortwo but makes major changes to its electric capabilities.
| Area | Smart EQ Fortwo | Smart #2 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Seating | 2 | 2 |
| Body Style | Two-door city car | Two-door city EV |
| Previous US EPA Range | 58 miles | Around 186 miles estimated |
| Battery Chemistry | Earlier-generation EV battery | LFP |
| Fast Charging | Limited compared with modern EVs | 10–80% in under 20 minutes claimed |
| V2L | No | Yes |
| Production | Discontinued | New model |
The Smart #2 therefore keeps the original formula while addressing some of the biggest limitations of the older electric model.
When Will the Smart #2 Arrive?
Smart plans to showcase the new EV at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026, where the model is expected to make its global debut. Production will begin in China after the event.
Also read Kia EV3 Sets New Range Benchmark With 321-Mile Electric Drive
The company also plans to sell the Smart #2 in China and Europe. Smart has not ruled out producing the vehicle in Europe if demand becomes strong enough to justify local manufacturing. European pricing is expected to start below €22,500, although final pricing will depend on the market and selected configuration.
A Small EV for a Big City Problem
The Smart #2 does not try to compete with large electric SUVs on power, cargo space or highway range.
Instead, it takes a different approach.
Its small footprint, two-seat cabin, rear-mounted motor and expected 300 km range make it particularly suited to urban transportation. At the same time, faster charging and V2L give it capabilities that were missing from older Smart EVs.
If Smart keeps the pricing competitive, the #2 could offer a practical alternative for drivers who want an electric vehicle specifically designed around city life.
