Smart announces return of two-seater EV expected in 2026

Smart #2 returns as tiny electric car

Smart confirmed the #2, a two-seat electric car, launching in late 2026. The vehicle is part of “Project: Two,” a plan finished in 2025 after long studies. The #2 will be built in China and sold in Europe, continuing Smart’s push into affordable urban EVs.

Smart says the #2 will measure under 3.5 meters long, shorter than most city cars. It will feature two seats, a small trunk, and advanced digital controls. This links to Smart’s tradition, as over 1.7 million Fortwos sold worldwide from 1998 to 2024, proving significant demand for small cars.

Project: Two creates compact new platform

The #2 runs on Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), a new platform designed by Smart specifically for very small EVs. Unlike #1, #3, and #5, which utilize Geely’s SEA, this system is designed for two-seat cars. Work commenced in 2022 and was approved in 2025.

ECA makes the #2 efficient, with a wheelbase under 2.4 meters and a turning circle of less than 8 meters. That means it fits narrow streets and tight parking in cities like Paris and Rome. The platform also supports battery packs ranging from 25 to 40 kWh, providing a likely range of 150 to 200 miles.

Smart #2 faces tariffs and costs

Producing in China lowers Smart’s costs, but selling in Europe adds tariffs. The European Commission has imposed an additional 18.8% duty on Geely Group EVs (in addition to the existing 10% car duty). The final price impact depends on the vehicle’s customs value and pricing.

Smart must strike a balance between costs and affordability, keeping the car accessible to young buyers and city commuters in major European capitals.

The old Smart Fortwo started at under €15,000 in 2014, but electric cars cost more. Experts expect the #2 to start near €20,000 in 2026, rising with options. Demand is strong: A-segment EV sales in Europe rose 28% in 2024, indicating clear room for growth.

Smart #2 design continues Mercedes tradition

Mercedes-Benz designers shaped the #2, keeping Smart’s playful look. Teasers show sharper lines than the round Fortwo. Features such as a Kamm tail, roof spoiler, and slim LED lights enhance aerodynamics. These choices boost efficiency in wind tests while keeping a friendly design that people easily recognize.

Bright promises digital displays, smartphone links, and safety systems, including auto braking, inside. The car may weigh under 1,000 kilograms, lighter than most EVs. Seats will fold to create storage space, and connected software will handle updates. This design connects directly to the competition Smart faces in urban EV markets.

Smart #2 joins a busy A-segment market

The A-segment has more players every year. The Fiat Topolino is under 2.5 meters long, the Citroën Ami costs less than €8,000, and the Microlino offers 6/10.5/14 kWh packs; the 14 kWh option is rated to travel up to 230 km (143 miles) on a single charge, according to the WLTP.

The Silence S04 (Spanish-built) is sold in some markets through Nissan dealers, but is manufactured by Silence/Scutum Logistic.

Smart believes the #2 can stand out with stronger safety, digital tools, and the Mercedes design touch. Competitors often lack airbags, fast charging, or longer ranges. Smart sees an opportunity to combine charm with performance, attracting urban drivers who seek both fun and technology.

Smart #2 brings back Fortwo heritage

The Smart Fortwo debuted in 1998, emerging from a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes. It sold 1.7 million units across three generations, becoming an urban icon, until 2024. Its size—just 2.5 meters long- made it one of the smallest mass-produced cars in the world.

The new #2 is longer, under 3.5 meters, to meet crash rules, but keeps the same spirit. It uses electricity instead of gas engines, offering modern range and comfort. Smart wants loyal Fortwo fans and new EV drivers to see the #2 as the apparent heir to that famous legacy.

Smart #2 development timeline to launch

Smart began planning in 2022, and by 2023, feasibility studies started. In 2024, engineers confirmed the new platform. In 2025, Smart officially announced the project, unveiling teaser designs and stating that it would launch in 2026. By late 2026, the first cars will be delivered to European buyers.

China will produce the vehicles, while sales start in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK. Production is expected to reach 40,000 units per year, scaling higher if demand increases. This timeline shows Smart’s careful but steady path to bring the #2 to market.

Smart #2 completes brand’s modern lineup

The #2 joins Smart’s new SUV family. Today, Smart sells the #1, #3, and #5 models. Soon, the sporty #6 will follow. Together, they create a ladder from smallest to largest, covering a broader range of market needs while remaining all-electric.

The #2 sits at the bottom as the entry car, likely priced near €20,000. The #1 starts at around €37,000, the #3 is nearly €40,000, and the #5 is nearly €50,000. With this spread, Smart hopes to reach students, families, and luxury buyers. The #2 balances the range perfectly.

Smart #1 small SUV launched in 2022

The Smart #1 debuted in 2022 as the brand’s first Geely-based EV. It features a 66 kWh battery; the WLTP range is approximately 335–455 km (about 208–283 miles), depending on the version. Buyers can choose rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

By 2024, sales had surpassed 25,000 units in Europe, marking Smart’s successful restart. The #1 marked Smart’s shift from two-seat microcars into compact SUVs with advanced software and driver assistance.

Smart #3 compact crossover arrives in 2023

The Smart #3 was revealed in Shanghai in April 2023 and shown in Europe in September. Deliveries began in early 2024. The car is between #1 and #5, offering a sporty, coupe-like SUV body style.

In China, Smart sold 15,575 #3 units in 2024. It uses Geely’s SEA2 platform and offers up to 268 horsepower. This model proved that Smart could compete in the compact SUV segment. The #3’s success gave the company confidence to try a return to smaller vehicles like the #2.

Smart #5 midsize SUV launched in 2024

The Smart #5 launched in 2024 as the biggest SUV in the lineup. Versions tuned by Brabus offer 579–637 horsepower and a 0–60 mph time under 4 seconds.

It carries batteries from 74–100 kWh, reaching up to 549 kilometers WLTP or 740 kilometers CLTC. Prices start above €50,000. The #5 gave Smart a halo car with high performance, demonstrating the brand’s ability to handle both powerful SUVs and compact city cars like the #2.

Smart #6 sleek hatchback planned next

Smart is preparing the #6, a hatchback-style EV, set for a 2026 release. It aims to compete in the mid-size market against the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Rumors suggest it may offer 75 kWh and 100 kWh battery choices, providing a WLTP range of over 350 miles. The #6 shows Smart isn’t only returning to small cars, it’s also expanding into mainstream EV segments. This balances the portfolio as the #2 target entry-level urban buyers.

Smart Fortwo legacy from 1998 to 2024

The Smart Fortwo lasted 26 years, spanning three generations: Mk I (1998–2007), Mk II (2007–2014), and Mk III (2014–2024). Over its lifetime, more than 1.7 million units were sold worldwide, demonstrating strong demand for ultra-compact city cars that prioritize efficiency, style, and convenience.

The Fortwo measured just 2.69 meters long, shorter than nearly all other mass-produced vehicles. Engines ranged from 45 to 90 horsepower, while later EV models offered a WLTP range of about 93 miles.

Smart EQ Fortwo electric drive stats

Smart began testing EV versions in 2007, then launched the EQ Fortwo widely in 2017. It used a 17.6 kWh battery and offered an EPA range of 58 miles. It was one of the first fully electric microcars in Europe, serving as a proof of concept for Smart’s electric future.

By 2019, Smart had stopped selling gasoline models in Europe and had become a fully electric brand. The EQ Fortwo was also the only electric convertible available worldwide at that time

Smart Roadster sold briefly 2003–2005

Smart experimented with sportiness through the Roadster, sold between 2003 and 2005. It was just 3.43 meters long, but it carried turbocharged engines ranging from 61 to 101 horsepower, giving it significantly quicker acceleration than the Fortwo.

Smart built around 43,000 Roadsters, showing limited but real demand for playful designs. However, the Roadster was expensive to manufacture and experienced reliability issues. Losses grew, and the project was canceled in 2005. Despite its short life, the Roadster added a splash of color to Smart’s history.

Balancing range, tech, and price, Tesla’s Model 3 has become a go-to choice for daily driving. Find out more about what makes the Tesla Model 3 a smart everyday EV.

Smart brand reborn through Geely joint venture

In 2019, Mercedes-Benz and Geely agreed to create a 50/50 joint venture to rescue the Smart brand. The headquarters moved to Ningbo, China, while the design remained in Germany. This setup provided technology and capital, securing Smart’s path into the electric car market after years of financial difficulty.

The deal led to the Smart #1 in 2022, #3 in 2023, #5 in 2024, and #2 in 2026. Together they complete a cycle: from 1998’s 2.5-meter Fortwo to 2026’s 3.5-meter #2, showing Smart has grown but never forgotten its small-car roots.

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What do you think the tiny EV will win hearts again? Drop your comments.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.