Smart #2: smallest EV gets triple the range of its predecessor

Smart has revived its smallest model: the production version of the #2, the successor to the iconic Fortwo, offers nearly triple the driving range of its predecessor. The details emerged from China's MIIT regulator, which published its monthly list of models approved for production.

The production version of the #2 looks almost identical to the concept shown in April. The changes include conventional wheels instead of fabric-covered ones and the removal of LED screens from the sides of the front bumper. The front end has an aggressive look, which is now typical for many cars.

The Chinese-spec urban hatchback will be powered by a rear-mounted electric motor from Infimotion, producing 80 horsepower (60 kilowatts). The traction battery is a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) unit mounted in the floor. The cells are made by CATL, while final assembly is handled by Geely, which owns half of the Smart brand. Mercedes-Benz holds the other half.

The battery capacity is not listed in the MIIT documents, but the manufacturer previously stated that the European version will get 35.7 kilowatt-hours, with an estimated range of about 186 miles (300 kilometers). For comparison, the old EQ Fortwo, sold in the U.S. as a 2017 model, had an EPA-rated range of just 58 miles.

Charging is also much faster: the company claims a 10-to-80 percent session takes less than 20 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality is included, allowing drivers to power external devices and tools from the high-voltage battery.

The dimensions confirm the #2's status as Smart's smallest model: the two-door EV is 108.8 inches (2,764 millimeters) long and 65.7 inches (1,669 millimeters) wide. Exact height and other specifications will be revealed later.