Regulatory Filing Reveals Smart #2 Specifications
The joint venture between Smart and Geely recently submitted a regulatory filing to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), unveiling the detailed specifications of the Smart #2. This all-new electric vehicle is scheduled to make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and will be launched in global markets, including China and Europe, though the US market is excluded.
According to the filing, the Smart #2 will be available in two body lengths: 2,751 mm and 2,764 mm, with a curb weight of 1,130 kg. The powertrain features an electric motor with a maximum output of 60 kW (80 hp), capable of reaching a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells produced by CATL, though the filing does not disclose details such as battery capacity or range.
In terms of design, the Smart #2 retains the brand’s signature compact style but features a further enlarged body compared to previous models. Photos in the filing show the vehicle will offer options for either a black or body-colored roof, along with multiple wheel designs. While the original Smart ForTwo measured just 2,500 mm in length—shorter than some cars are wide—the most recent version extended to 2,695 mm, and the Smart #2 has grown even longer while maintaining the agility of a small car.
Chinese Automakers Lead in Development Speed
The Smart #2 concept was first unveiled earlier this year at the Beijing Motor Show, where 1,451 vehicles, 181 world premieres, and 71 concept cars were displayed. The short span between the concept’s debut and the regulatory filing highlights the efficiency of Chinese automakers in electric vehicle development. The filing confirms the “#2” badge on the rear as the official product name, rather than a temporary designation.
Smart has stated that the Smart #2 will be produced in China and sold in China, Europe, and other global markets, excluding the US. This exclusion is linked to US tariffs and trade restrictions on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Industry analysts note that high tariffs and software limitations imposed by the US market make it difficult for Chinese automakers to establish a competitive edge, influencing their market entry strategies.
Geely Evaluates US Market Entry, Car-Sharing Model a Potential Option
Despite the Smart #2’s exclusion from the US market, Geely indicated earlier this year that it is evaluating the possibility of entering the US market. While no specific timeline or strategy has been disclosed, industry observers suggest that a car-sharing model could serve as an alternative for Chinese automakers to enter the US. For example, Smart previously partnered with Car2Go to launch electric vehicle-sharing services in multiple European cities, while Volvo has also introduced similar car-sharing programs.
There is currently no evidence that Smart or Geely has plans to introduce a Smart #2 car-sharing service in the US, but this model remains a potential future option. The production timeline for the Smart #2 has not been officially announced, though the regulatory filing signals that the vehicle is in the preparation stage for production. As the global electric vehicle market continues to grow, the Smart #2 will offer consumers in China and Europe a more affordable electric mobility option, while US consumers will remain unable to purchase it through official channels in the near term.
The Paris Motor Show will reveal further details about the Smart #2, including expected delivery timelines, market pricing, and configuration options. Smart emphasizes that the Smart #2 represents not just a model update but a significant step in the brand’s electric transformation, with plans to continue introducing innovative products that meet market demands.
