Overview
The Smart urban electric mobility company is owned by the German automotive manufacturer Daimler AG, more commonly referred to as Mercedes-Benz. Diamler is headquartered in Stuttgart and is known for leading car brands to include, Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes Maybach.
Smart has built a reputation for creating cars for the urban environment, in particular in the microcar and subcompact segments. City electric cars like the Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour are common sightings in global cities like London, Paris and Milan.
The concept development for Smart cars began in the early 70’s, with the first model being introduced in 1998. The cars manufactured by the company were internal combustion engine (ICE) and it is only recently, that the company has migrated to the manufacturer of only pure electric cars.
However, the company’s history with city electric cars dates back to 2006, when the development of the electric variant for the Smart Fortwo commenced. Since then, four-generations of Smart electric vehicles (EVs) have been introduced, with the most recent generation unveiled in 2016 at the Paris Motor Show. The Smart name is derived from the cooperation between Swatch (Swiss watch company) and Mercedes.
The company currently has the following portfolio of city battery-electric vehicles (BEVs):
- Smart EQ Fortwo coupe
- Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio
- Smart EQ Forfour
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The All-Electric Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio
Field testing of the electric variant for the Smart Fortwo EV began in London in 2007, with 100 Smart Fortwo electric cars. Daimler has an ambition to market the Smart electric car in up to 30 global market. The EV is already available in a number of European markets and also popular with electric car sharing schemes. The company announced the rebranding of the Smart Fortwo in 2018, with EQ included in the upgraded brand to align itself with the Mercedes-EQ branding. In 2019, the Smart EQ Fortwo was updated with a facelift.
The compact Smart EQ electric car is well suited for the urban environment, in particular, in towns and cities that are densely populated, with severe road congestion. The EV is easy to park, even in small parking spaces. Certainly easy to drive too. For individuals and families living in towns and cities, the EQ electric vehicle is a good second car, best used for shorter commutes, like school runs, trip to the grocery store, to work (if close by) etc.
The EQ EV has a claimed WLTP range up to 80 miles. But of course, the electric range depends on a number of factors, to include, driving profile, road conditions etc. Expect the real-world range to be lower than the claimed range. Nevertheless, the EV has a good electric range for everyday shorter drives, and driving a pure electric car like the EQ, will save you money and improve air quality. The EV has a 22 kW onboard charger and can be fully charged using a 3-phase EV charger in 40 minutes. A single phase EV charger will take longer.
Despite all the advantages of the Smart EQ ForTwo in urban environments, the EV is limited by space and practicality. It offers a 260 L boot space, which is certainly small. Do not expect it to hold the family weekly grocery shopping! Also, it only offers two seats.
The EV continues to qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant, so do take advantage while it lasts!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Open-top fun to drive | Small EV battery with limited range |
| Good interior quality | Limited boot space |
| Well suited for city driving. Easy to drive and park | Cheaper alternatives available |
Gallery
The All-Electric Smart Fortwo Cabrio (credit: Smart)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | Cabrio |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Available |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| £ Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Premium (from £24,290) |
| Exclusive (from £25,440) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 17.6 kWh |
| Charging: | On-board charger 22 kW AC. 10% to 80% using 22 kW wallbox: 40 mins |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 62,000 miles |
| £ Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh | £2.40 |
| Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh | £4.32 |
| Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh | £5.64 |
| Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh | £6.48 |
| Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh | £7.20 |
| Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh | £9.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh | £10.22 |
| Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh | £11.09 |
| Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh | £12.96 |
| Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh | £14.40 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1553 |
| Width (mm): | 1663 |
| Length (mm): | 2695 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 1873 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 6.95 |
| Boot Space (L): | 260 |
| Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 17.6 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 80 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 16.5 – 16.6 |
| Charging: | On-board charger: 22 kW AC |
| Top Speed: | 81 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 60 |
| Max Power (HP): | 82 |
| Torque (Nm): | 160 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,125 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
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