We’re always curious about what “smart” is up to, and that has put us in the driver’s seat of the 2017 smart fortwo electric drive. Now built on the 3rd generation smart chassis. Designed for super congested urban driving, that’s where you can really see the benefits of an all-electric drivetrain. Acceleration is akin to flipping on a light switch, with all of its 80-horsepower pushing the smart fortwo along quickly. While 9-fewer HP’s than the gas smart, there is 18-lb-ft more torque. And like most EVs…  there’s no changing gears, a process we’ve criticized in the gas versions of the “smart” built in the past. 

LAUREN MORRISON: “So let’s talk about agility. My favorite part of the day has just been doing U turns. This thing turns so tightly with its 22.8 feet turning circle.”

JOHN DAVIS: The 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery takes about 3-hours to fully charge on 240 volts. Smart says a fortwo electric drive can go about 70-to-80 miles on a fill-up, a claim we found most realistic. Look for the smart fortwo electric drive “coupe” at dealers in the spring with a starting price around $25,000, along with very generous leases. The “cabrio” will follow by summer.  

Specifications

  • Horsepower: 80
  • Price: Starting price around $25,000