Source: cnevpost
Another new city electric vehicle from Smart will be offered for sale in China in the very near future. It’ll be called Smart #3 and comes only months after the first customer deliveries of the Smart #1 SUV.
The sightings of the new model were first reported by cnevpost and were spotted in the government’s list of approved models which the public can provide feedback on.
Source: cnevpost
The once Mercedes-Benz-owned traditional small city car maker is now making slightly bigger EVs in a joint-venture partnership with Volvo’s parent company, Geely.
The Smart #3 is 4,542 mm in length, which is 272 mm longer than the Smart #1 SUV. It will also be slightly lower than the Smart #1 model, giving it a sportier look.
The new model will come in both single and dual-motor versions. The single-motor version will have a 200 kW rear-mounted motor while the dual-motor version will also have a 115 kW front motor. Smart #3 also has a top speed of 180 km/h.
The power specifications are consistent with the earlier Smart #1 model which featured a 66 kWh battery pack.
Image: Smart
Both versions of the new Smart #3 will feature a lithium battery with NCM chemistry and won’t opt for the cheaper, less energy-dense LFP packs found in most single-motor EVs in Australia.
The size of the battery in the new Smart is not yet confirmed but given the motor outputs, it may be very close to the Smart #1.
The Smart #1 will be heading to the UK in early 2023 which is also a right-hand drive market like Australia. With a Smart #1 Brabus performance edition also on offer that can get the smaller SUV from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, this could be an EV with a broader appeal.
Souce: Smart UK
Depending on the reception of the new model from Geely/Mercedes-Benz, Australia may also see Smart models on our roads in the next 24 months.
Keyword: Smart rolls out a slightly larger electric SUV