smart fortwo electric drive: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The smart fortwo electric drive is a tiny two-seat electric city car sold as a hatchback or convertible. It is known for easy parking, tight turning and short, zero-emission urban trips.
The fortwo electric drive has always put city use ahead of range, cargo room or family duty. Its tiny footprint and two-seat layout make it a specialized urban runabout rather than an all-purpose car. It became a regular U.S. retail model in 2013, then gained a stronger motor, faster charging and its first electric convertible with the 2017 redesign. By 2018, the U.S. fortwo lineup was electric-only.
Strengths
- Its tiny footprint makes it easy to place and park on crowded city streets.
- Its tight turning ability is especially useful in narrow streets and small parking areas.
- The convertible provides an unusual combination of electric driving and open-air motoring.
- The 2017 redesign brought quicker charging and a stronger 80-hp motor than the older electric model.
- In 2018, its rated electric range spanned 57 to 70 miles, which fits short urban errands better than long-distance travel.
Who it's for
It best fits a solo driver or couple who mainly handles short trips in a crowded city and values easy parking more than passenger or cargo space. It also suits someone who can charge at home and does not need one car for long highway journeys or family duty.
smart fortwo electric drive lineup
Earlier 2013–2016 cars followed a simple one-trim formula, while the 2017 redesign introduced Pure, Passion and Prime. Pure is the straightforward starting point, Passion sits in the middle, and Prime is the highest trim tier; the supplied history does not support more specific evergreen equipment distinctions among them. In 2018, all three shared the same 80-hp electric city-car mission, so shoppers should focus on condition, body style and the individual car’s equipment. The convertible is the distinctive choice for open-air driving, while the hatchback keeps the simpler closed-roof format.
smart fortwo electric drive generations
From 2013 to 2018, the fortwo electric drive spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — 453 arrived for 2017, following the 2nd Generation — W451 (2013–2016).
3rd Generation — 453 (2017–2018)
This generation moved the electric drive to the newer 453 body. It brought a stronger 80-hp motor, faster charging, more trim levels, and the first electric cabriolet.
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2018
The U.S. fortwo lineup became electric-only after gasoline models were dropped. The electric hardware carried over.
2017New generation
The redesigned electric drive arrived on the 453 body with a stronger motor, faster charging, three trim levels, and the first electric cabriolet.
2nd Generation — W451 (2013–2016)
This W451-based version turned the electric fortwo from a limited program into a regular U.S. retail model. It used a 17.6-kWh battery and was sold as a coupe or cabriolet for short city trips.
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2016
Carryover year before the 2017 redesign.
2015
The powertrain, range, charging hardware, safety equipment, and cabin technology carried over.
2014
The coupe and cabriolet continued without significant changes.
2013New generation
The regular U.S. showroom model launched with a new electric powertrain, cabin preconditioning, and coupe and cabriolet body styles.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the smart fortwo electric drive.
Frequently asked questions
Is the smart fortwo electric drive fully electric or a hybrid?
It is fully electric, not a hybrid. U.S. versions use a rear electric motor and a one-speed drive, with no gasoline engine.
Was the smart fortwo electric drive sold as both a hardtop and a convertible?
Yes. It was sold as a two-door hardtop and as a cabriolet. The open-top version is unusual among small used EVs, and both body styles seat two.
How many people does the smart fortwo electric drive seat?
It seats two people. Its tiny footprint suits solo drivers and couples, but it is not intended for family duty or carrying several passengers.
How far does the smart fortwo electric drive go on a charge?
It is a short-range EV. The 2018 lineup has EPA ratings from 57 to 70 miles, depending on version, while 2013–2016 models are described with a 68-mile rating.
What is the smart fortwo electric drive known for?
It is known for being a tiny, agile city EV that is easy to park and turn around in tight spaces. Its personality and electric cabriolet body also help it stand out.
Is the smart fortwo electric drive a good fit for long trips?
No, long trips are not its main job. Its compact size and short driving range make it better suited to urban errands, short commutes, and drivers who rarely need more than two seats.
What is the main difference between older and newer smart fortwo electric drive models?
The 2017 redesign is the dividing line. Models from 2013–2016 use the older body and a 74-hp motor. Models from 2017–2018 have a newer body, an 80-hp motor, faster charging, and the Pure, Passion, and Prime trim ladder.