Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio Electric Car: The Complete Guide For The UK

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Overview

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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

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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 is available in one EV battery size (17.6 kWh). Given the positioning of the pure electric car as a city car, a 17.6 kWh EV battery size is more than appropriate. Do keep in mind, the smaller the EV battery, the lower the total weight of the electric vehicle (EV), and the greater the vehicle efficiency.

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, speed, weather, passenger load etc. Expect the real-world electric range to be lower than the claimed range and closer to 70 miles. 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 EQ electric car does not offer fast DC charging. This is not a concern, given the small size of the onboard EV battery. However, the EV does incorporate a three-phase 22 kW AC onboard charger. Given that most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply, most of us will not be able to take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger. For this with access to three-phase (22 kW) charging at home or at work, the EV can be charged from 10% to 80% in a mere 40 minutes.

Single-phase (7.4 kW) EV charging will take longer. The EV can be charged up to 80% via a dedicated single-phase EV charger like myenergi zappi in 3 hours and 18 minutes. Though the EV can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN plug, we at e-zoomed do not encourage using a domestic plug for charging an electric car. The EV will take up to 8 hours and 30 minutes to charge up to 80% via a 3-PIN socket.

We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight when the electricity prices are lower. We also recommend charging on a regular basis. This way charging times are reduced and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. The manufacturer offers a 8 years/ 62,000 miles warranty. 

Standard equipment includes: central locking with radio remote control, visual locking verification and immobiliser, electronic stability programme, rear parking aid with acoustic warning and reversing camera, hill start assist, instrument display with battery charge status display and power display, smart Connect Media-System and more.

Despite all the advantages of the Smart EQ ForTwo in urban environments, the EV is limited by space and practicality. It offers a 190 L boot space, which is certainly small. Do not expect it to hold the family weekly grocery shopping! Also, it only offers two seats.

In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive EQ electric car can achieve 0-62 mph in 11.9 seconds (maximum power: 82 hp/ torque: 160 Nm). The top speed for the EV is 81 mph. Of course the electric car also benefits from instant torque. The EV also offers an Eco Mode to further improve the energy efficiency of the EV.

Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax charge for pure electric cars. You can lease the Smart EQ electric car via e-zoomed at fantastic prices. Simply follow this link!

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PROS	CONS
Open-top fun to drive	Room for only two
Decent pure electric range for urban driving	Limited boot space
Well suited for city driving. Easy to drive and park	Cheaper alternatives available

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The All-Electric Smart Fortwo Cabrio (credit: Smart)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:	Cabrio
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):	Not Available
Engine:	Electric
Available In UK:	Yes

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£ Variants (2 Options)
Premium (from £24,290)
Exclusive (from £25,440)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 17.6 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 22 kW AC (10%-80%: 40 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Warranty:	8 years or 62,000 miles

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£ 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.

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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

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1553
Width (mm):	1663
Length (mm):	2695
Wheelbase (mm):	1873
Turning Circle (m):	6.95
Boot Space (L):	190

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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:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 22 kW AC (10%-80%: 40 mins)
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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