Words/Images NZ Autocar
Published 22 January 2025
Even before it goes on sale here, the Smart #5 family SUV is set to gain a plug-in hybrid version. That’s in response to falling demand globally for pure EVs. This is fast becoming a trend for Chinese new energy firms.
It also represents a significant change for the Geely-owned brand. Smart previously said it would only sell new-generation Smart models with electric power.
A spokesperson from Smart’s European operations commented “We see individual mobility powered by combustion engines and, in particular, with hybrid drives as a transitional technology towards purely electric driving.
“Smart cannot exclude any technological solution for the future at the current point in time”.
Another reason for the change of heart is that in China plug-in hybrids and range-extenders are experiencing strong sales growth.
While powertrain details are not yet available, it is likely to use a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electronic dual-hybrid transmission (E-DHT). The engine will output 82kW while the electric motor is good for 160kW, if similar to other powertrains in the Geely family.
Expect a 19.1 LFP battery that should provide the PHEV with 120km of electric range. That means an overall driving range of at least 1400km.
The #5 EVs offer range of 566 and 736km, depending on battery capacity, effectively half that of the PHEV, at best.
Evidently the new addition to the #5 line-up will launch next year while the EVs should dot down in Europe mid-2025.
Other Geely-owned brands like Lotus and Zeekr are planning to launch plug-in hybrid models in 2025. Both are diversifying away from offering pure-electric models only, as originally promised.
