2018 smart fortwo electric drive: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for 2018 is that the U.S. fortwo lineup becomes electric-only, with the gasoline models dropped. The electric drive itself is largely unchanged from 2017.
About the 2018 smart fortwo electric drive
3rd-generation fortwo (453), second US model year for the current electric drive; no major refresh.
The 2018 fortwo electric drive is a tiny two-seat EV built around city use above all else. Smart’s messaging focuses on agility, easy parking, tight turning, and zero-emission driving for short urban trips. In US-market form, it also stands out because the cabrio version gives this model range something almost no rival offered at the time: open-air electric driving. Buyers chose it for compact size and personality, not long range or family duty.
The 2018 fortwo electric drive is a tiny city EV with an 80-hp rear motor and a one-speed transmission. Pure is the no-frills hardtop with automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera, while Passion adds 15-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, and brighter cabin trim. Prime is the comfort-focused version, with leather upholstery, heated seats, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
What changed, by category
2018 smart fortwo electric drive specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 80 hp | 80 hp |
| Torque | 118 lb-ft | 118 lb-ft | 118 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 8.9 cu-ft | 8.7–8.9 cu-ft | 8.7–8.9 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Electric Range | 70 | 57–70 | 57–70 |
| MPGe Combined | 108 | 102–108 | 102–108 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Traction Control | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Locks | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is every 2018 smart fortwo in the United States electric?
Yes. For 2018, smart dropped the gasoline fortwo from its U.S. range and sold the fortwo only as an electric vehicle.
Is the 2018 smart fortwo electric drive's powertrain new?
No. Its 17.6-kWh battery, 80-hp rear electric motor, and faster 7-kW onboard charger arrived for 2017 and carry over for 2018.
Does every 2018 smart fortwo electric drive have a rearview camera?
Yes. Pure already includes a rearview camera, and it became standard on Passion and Prime for 2018.
Is the 2018 smart fortwo electric drive a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
No. The electric hardware carries over from 2017. The main differences are the electric-only U.S. lineup and smaller equipment changes, including standard rearview cameras on Passion and Prime, standard fog lights on Pure, and USB ports no longer being standard on Passion and Prime.
Which 2018 smart fortwo electric drive models have the 10th Anniversary Edition package?
The 10th Anniversary Edition package is found on some 2018 Passion and Prime coupes. It was not standard across the lineup.