Smart unveils the target price of its future two-seat urban electric car

Smart has just revealed new details about its upcoming two-seat electric model, the #2, which positions itself as the natural successor to the legendary Fortwo. In statements to the media, Wolfgang Ufer, the brand’s current head in Europe, has said that this new model could reach the European market next year with a starting price below 22,500 euros, which would make it a very competitive option in the urban electric segment.

With the Smart #2, the brand plans to return to its roots by launching a compact, agile two-seater designed primarily for the city. Based on the new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform, this model will measure just 2.79 metres in length and offer a turning circle of 6.95 metres, ideal characteristics for manoeuvring in narrow urban environments. Smart presented the Concept #2 in April and has now revealed some of its technical specifications.

As far as we know today, it will be equipped with a 35.7 kWh battery which, presumably, will allow it to cover around 300 kilometres on a single charge under the WLTP cycle. This represents more than double the capacity and range of the previous Smart EQ Fortwo. In addition, the DC fast-charging system will allow it to go from 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes.

“A legend of urban traffic is back, and it is going to do so in a big way, becoming the best two-seat model for the city”.

Fitted to the budget of many buyers

Price will also be one of the most notable aspects of this new Smart. Although it has not yet been definitively set, the statements from the brand’s head in Europe clearly suggest that the entry-level model will be priced below 22,500 euros. Smart will reveal the official price when it presents the production vehicle at the Paris Motor Show next October.

Initial production will take place in China, but the company does not rule out building the #2 in Europe if demand reaches sufficient volumes. For the time being, Smart considers its current centralised manufacturing structure to be scalable and efficient.

At Smart’s headquarters they are convinced that this urban city car will be well received, especially in the Old Continent. Germany will be its main market, followed by Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. This optimism is based on the loyal customer base this model already enjoys: between 300,000 and 400,000 Fortwo units are on the road in Germany, while almost 600,000 have been sold in Italy since 1998.