Smart #2 EV enters real-world testing
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Smart’s return to its roots is gathering pace, with the brand confirming its upcoming all-electric smart #2 has entered real-world testing ahead of its global debut in late 2026.
The new city car is being developed on smart’s all-new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), a proprietary platform designed specifically for small electric vehicles. To fast-track development while validating the new hardware, smart engineers are testing the ECA under the bodywork of the current smart fortwo; a move that also confirms the #2 will retain the brand’s trademark ultra-compact footprint.
Back to basics, with modern tech
Smart says the #2 will stay faithful to the formula of the original fortwo city car. That means a two-door, two-seat layout, rear-wheel drive, and a wheels-at-the-corners stance designed for maximum manoeuvrability in tight urban environments.
While the proportions remain familiar, everything else will be new. Both the interior and exterior are being completely redesigned by the Mercedes-Benz design team, giving the #2 a fresh identity to match its next-generation electric underpinnings. The new ECA platform will also enable a modern electric drivetrain, more safety systems and a driving experience tailored specifically for dense city use.
Testing around the globe
The current test phase uses a fleet of fortwo-bodied prototypes fitted with the new ECA platform. These vehicles are undergoing validation at specialised facilities worldwide, covering everything from dynamics to durability.
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At a proving ground in China, engineers are concentrating on ride and handling, structural strength and braking performance to ensure the #2 delivers agile, confidence-inspiring city driving. Elsewhere, further testing is focused on crash safety, suspension durability, battery performance, software integration and climate control systems across a range of operating conditions.
Smart says this approach allows its R&D team to collect representative real-world data while keeping the final design under wraps until closer to launch.
Launch timing confirmed
The all-electric smart #2 remains on track for a world premiere in late 2026. The #2 will join smart’s growing EV line-up as the brand positions itself as a premium provider of compact, intelligent electric vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture.
