Smart is developing a new two-seat electric city car called the Smart #2 for a 2026 launch [3].
The move represents a strategic effort to revive the brand's iconic two-seater format. By targeting the A-segment city-car market, the company aims to capture urban drivers who require a compact footprint without the range limitations of earlier electric micro-cars.
The Smart #2 is designed to address the primary weakness of its predecessor. The original Smart EQ Fortwo sold in the U.S. had an EPA-estimated range of 58 miles [1]. The new model promises to significantly improve this utility, offering roughly three times the range of the original [1].
Based on those projections, the Smart #2 is expected to provide about 174 miles of range [2]. This increase in battery efficiency and capacity allows the vehicle to move beyond strictly local trips, potentially making it a viable primary vehicle for some urban residents.
While the vehicle is intended for the A-segment market, the brand is leveraging the legacy of the original city car to build interest in this pure electric successor. The company is positioning the #2 as a modern solution for congested city centers where parking and maneuverability are critical.
Detailed specifications regarding charging speeds and pricing have not yet been released. However, the 2026 timeline suggests the vehicle is moving from the concept phase into production planning [3].
“The Smart #2 is slated for a 2026 launch.”
The revival of the two-seat format suggests a shift in the EV market toward specialized urban mobility. While the industry has trended toward larger SUVs, the Smart #2 targets a specific gap for high-efficiency, small-footprint vehicles that can actually handle daily commutes without constant recharging, potentially challenging the dominance of larger EVs in dense metropolitan areas.
