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

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025