Smart Begins Testing a New EV Successor to the Car America Never Embraced

So It Begins

Smart has officially begun real-world testing of the #2, an in-development small electric vehicle that takes inspiration from the iconic Fortwo. At this stage, the automaker is putting its all-new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) platform through its paces, with test mules currently wearing a Fortwo body as a stand-in.

The Fortwo exited the U.S. market in 2019, so some buyers may no longer be familiar with it today. As a refresher, the model was a tiny, hatchback-style city car that arrived stateside in the late 2000s. However, it never truly gained traction in the U.S., likely due to American buyers’ preference for larger vehicles like the Ford F-150.

The Fortwo later transitioned to an all-electric model in 2018, but the rise of long-range EVs from brands like Tesla made it increasingly difficult for Smart's short-range city car to remain competitive.

Reinventing the Formula

Now, Smart is effectively reinventing the Fortwo formula with the upcoming #2, which the company says will “stay true to the original’s ultra-compact dimensions,” according to its press release. The model is currently undergoing testing in China, where engineers are fine-tuning key areas, including handling, ride quality, software integration, and overall driving performance, to ensure the platform meets modern expectations.

While the Fortwo body is merely a placeholder during this testing phase, Smart confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the exterior and interior design of the #2. Mercedes has been involved with the Smart brand since its founding in the 1990s, with the Fortwo debuting in 1998 and remaining a defining product until its global discontinuation in 2024.

Adapting to Market Trends

The #2 remains on track for a debut in late 2026. Given its subcompact nature, it is expected to compete with small urban EVs such as the Fiat 500e, which currently starts at around $30,000 in the U.S. Political openness toward smaller vehicles – such as kei cars in Japan –could also improve the model’s overall market appeal. For now, however, Smart has confirmed that China, Europe, and selected global markets will receive the #2 once production begins.

When it joins the lineup, the #2 will be sold alongside Smart’s expanding range of crossovers and SUVs, including the #1, #3, and #5. The brand is also planning an all-new sedan called the #6 – a move that may seem counterintuitive in the U.S., where brands like Ford and Chevrolet have largely abandoned sedans, but one that still makes sense in markets such as China. Together, these models show how Smart is reshaping its portfolio to meet evolving market demands rather than sticking to its former city-car-only niche.

View the full article