2018 smart fortwo electric drive: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2018 smart fortwo electric drive

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.

Shop 1 in stock at Carvana

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

Powertrain
The U.S. fortwo range became electric-only as the gasoline models were dropped. The electric model's 17.6-kWh battery, 80-hp rear motor, and 7-kW onboard charger carried over from 2017.
Safety
A rearview camera became standard on Passion and Prime.
Tech
USB ports were no longer standard on Passion and Prime, so their presence varies by car.
Styling
Fog lights became standard on Pure. Some Passion and Prime coupes also have the 10th Anniversary Edition package marking smart's first decade in the United States.

2018 smart fortwo electric drive specs and features by trim

Feature
2018 smart fortwo electric drivePure0 in stock
2018 smart fortwo electric drivePrime0 in stock
2018 smart fortwo electric drivePassion1 in stock
EngineAC Electric MotorAC Electric MotorAC Electric Motor
TransmissionSingle-Speed Fixed GearSingle-Speed Fixed GearSingle-Speed Fixed Gear
DrivetrainRWDRWDRWD
Fuel TypeElectricElectricElectric
Horsepower80 hp80 hp80 hp
Torque118 lb-ft118 lb-ft118 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo8.9 cu-ft8.7–8.9 cu-ft8.7–8.9 cu-ft
Seats222
Doors222
Electric Range7057–7057–70
MPGe Combined108102–108102–108
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.