Smart #2: Smart confirms return of iconic city car as an EV

Smart has announced that it is re-entering the city car market with a new EV named the Smart #2.

Set to go on sale in late 2026, the Smart #2 will be a super-compact two-seat electric car and is one of three new EVs scheduled to be launched by the marque in the next three years.

Smart previously sold an electric version of its original city car, branded the ForTwo EQ but discontinued that in 2024.

Since then it has focused on larger EVs with the #1 compact SUV, its coupe-SUV sibling the #3 and the soon-to-arrive #5 – a C-segment SUV.

It says the new #2 will “build on the heritage” of the original ForTwo and return Smart to the A segment which it helped create.

The car has been developed into a production model following a feasibility study named “project: two”. It has been designed by Mercedes-Benz Design and early teaser images suggest it will echo the instantly recognisable lines of the ForTwo with an upright rear end, large windscreen and stubby bonnet.

Smart hasn’t given any technical details of the #2 but has said the car will be built for global markets in China. Its existing models use the SEA platform developed by parent company Geely and shared with the Volvo EX30, but it is expected that the #2 will use a new architecture. Whatever its underpinnings, we can expect significant improvements over the 17.6kWh battery and 99-mile range of the ForTwo EQ.

Smart claims the new model will feature “cutting-edge” EV technology not seen before in the segment, while evolving the core qualities of the original Smart ForTwo.

Smart boss Dirk Adelmann said that Europe was a key market for the #2. He commented: “The confirmation of our ‘project: two’ and the upcoming launch of the smart #2 marks a milestone moment for the smart brand on a global scale.

“The smart #2 will shape a new era of individual urban automobility, especially in classic smart cities like Rome, London or Paris. The new smart #2 will be a unique, authentic addition to the all-electric product portfolio of smart in Europe.”

The A-segment is currently home to budget-focused four-seat models such as the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03. The #2 is likely to offer a smaller but more premium package closer in size to quadricycles like the Citroen Ami and Mobilize Duo but with the safety features, specification and powertrain of a “proper” electric car.