Bojan Vrbnjak
Smart EQ Fortwo it's been out of configuration for a year now, but this little car is expected to be in production by mid-2024 to meet the orders it's received. However, the production in Hambach finished at the end of March, as reported Der Spiegel and others. However, the electric two-seater, which was introduced to the market in 2009, will get heir.
Head of Smart Europe Dirk Adelmann is according to the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung confirmed that development of the two-seater had begun Smart #2. However, according to the report, it is yet to be launched in the market the end of the decade, i.e. first of all in five years. However, it could also be a misunderstanding, because according to the article Automotive News Europe the market launch date has not yet been finalized. According to rumors from last fall, Smart # 2 started selling in 2025.
In any case, it will be a new entry-level model two-seater, which will also be based on the length 2,70 meters long model Fortwo. However, the electric range is said to be twice as long and according to Adelmann's in words amounted to at least 250 kilometers. "We are still at the very beginning, but we have a concrete plan,” said the director. It is currently under development a new platform, which will support more models and will also be available to other manufacturers. It's called Electric Compact Architecture (ECA). According to Adelmann, the car on this platform should “scored four or five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test” and had assistance systems similar to those of vehicles no. 1 in 3.
Smart #1 and Smart #3
To realize the project Smart # 2 now they are looking for partners, with which you could split the costs. These partners are likely to use the platform as well. Smart # 2 could also be made in Europe - unlike vehicles Smart #1 and #3, which Geely manufactures on China. This is because the majority of two-seaters are also expected to be sold in Europe. The possibility should be considered contract production.
Smart also wants to price based on the model Fortwo. The last closed version stood 21.940 euros. Adelmann declined to promise whether he would Smart # 2 so cheap, but the goal is to significantly knock down 30.000 euros, to the best of his ability Final edition.
