Smart Is Going Back to What It Did Best With This Tiny New EV

Cities keep getting tighter, traffic does not ease up, and small cars still have a role to play. So seeing Smart lean back into that space with something new feels timely.

The Concept #2 showed up in Beijing as a near-preview of a new two-seat EV arriving later this year. It goes back to the basics that made Smart stand out. Two doors, very short front end, wheels pushed to the corners. It looks familiar right away, like a modern take on the old Fortwo.

The shape stays simple, but the details add some personality. The headlights have a sharper look, the body is cleaner, and there are a few playful ideas mixed in. DRLs that spell out "#2," leather straps instead of door handles, and a closed grille styled like a suitcase. At the rear, a small screen can display messages, which feels a bit quirky but fits the concept vibe.

Underneath is a new Electric Compact Architecture, developed in-house. With Geely involved, there is likely shared tech behind it. Like the #1 and #3, this one stays fully electric.

The range is expected to be around 300 km, which makes it usable for daily driving. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes under 20 minutes, and it supports V2L, so it can power small external devices. There is a good chance it keeps rear-wheel drive, staying close to the layout older Smarts used.

The interior has not been shown yet, but the EV platform should free up more space. Still a two-seater, just with a bit more room and a more premium feel.

The production version arrives in October at the Paris Motor Show, with Europe and the UK as key markets. It feels like Smart is going back to its roots, but this time with enough range and tech to make it work in everyday use.