Skip advert
Advertisement

Smart ForTwo EV

Latest all-electric city car hits the road - and this time it's available to be leased to the public.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Smart ForTwo Hatchback
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

His latest EV represents the second phase of Smart’s electric masterplan, and it already feels like a polished product. Phase three begins in 2012, when the car begins full production alongside the petrol and diesel versions. It will feel familiar to current Smart owners, but the instant torque and single-ratio gearbox mean the EV is easier to drive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

From the family-sized Leaf to the Smart ForTwo EV, electric cars come in all shapes and sizes these days! The second-generation all-electric machine now benefits from a facelift, improved performance and longer life lithium-ion batteries.

The first ForTwo EV was only available for corporate users, but this time the car can be leased by the public. A total of 1,500 models will be available on a 12-month trial basis in Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and the US, with 100 cars earmarked for the UK.

Under the driver’s seat is a new lithium-ion battery pack supplied by sports car firm Tesla, but don’t expect racy performance. The rear-mounted electric motor produces 30kW (41bhp) – enough to glide from 0-38mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 60mph – making the EV strictly a city-based runaround.

About 140kg has been added to the 750kg kerbweight, but from behind the wheel, you would be hard pushed to tell. Peak torque of 120Nm might not sound much, but as it’s all available from idle, you’ll always be the first away from the lights.

The standard car’s jerky automated manual gearbox is replaced by a single-speed unit, and this improves the driving experience significantly,  making the ForTwo as simple to use as a golf buggy. Any downsides? The brake pedal is stiff and the lack of a raspy exhaust note amplifies road noise and the cabin’s
rattles and squeaks.

Charging the batteries from 20 to 80 per cent of their capacity takes three-and-a-half hours from a household socket, or from flat to full in eight hours. Smart claims the batteries will offer maintenance-free motoring for up to 10 years and deliver a range of 84 miles per charge – 10 miles further than the first-generation car.

Rival: Renault Twizy
Half scooter, half car – the Twizy offers a new approach to urban mobility. It has a 60-mile range and could cost as little as £4,000 when it arrives in 2012.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025