2013-2016 smart fortwo electric drive coupe

Overview

The 2013-2016 smart fortwo electric drive (ED) represented the third generation of the brand’s micro-car experiment, marking a significant shift toward electrification for the Daimler-owned marque. Built upon the W451 platform, this iteration was manufactured in Hambach, France, and served as a critical component of smart’s strategy to provide a zero-emission mobility solution for dense urban environments. Unlike its predecessors, which were limited to small-scale pilot programs, the third-generation electric drive was mass-produced for the global market, including a robust rollout in the United States. Engineering-wise, the vehicle replaced the traditional internal combustion engine with a 55 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack developed in collaboration with Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE, signaling a maturation of smart’s electric powertrain technology.

Marketed primarily as a “city car,” the fortwo electric drive occupied a unique niche in the American automotive landscape, targeting eco-conscious urbanites and commuters who prioritized parking ease and maneuverability over long-range capability. It was offered as both a coupe and a cabriolet, with a simplified trim structure that focused on essential features to keep the price point competitive against emerging rivals like the Nissan Leaf and the Fiat 500e. While its limited range and diminutive size prevented it from becoming a mainstream volume seller, the fortwo ED earned a reputation for being an exceptionally agile and fun-to-drive runabout. Today, it is viewed as a pioneer of the modern electric micro-car segment, remembered for its distinctive “tridion” safety cell design and its role in normalizing battery-electric vehicles in the American urban consciousness.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	smart
Model	fortwo electric drive coupe
Model Year	2013-2016
Generation	3rd (W451)
Trim	Electric Drive
Body Style	Coupe
Vehicle Segment	Microcar
Vehicle Class	Two Seaters
Market	USA
Platform	W451
Assembly Plant	Hambach, France
Country of Origin	France
Production Start	2013
Production End	2016
VIN Identifier	WME
Base MSRP	$25,000
Destination Charge	$750
Total MSRP	$25,750
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Battery Electric Vehicle
Horsepower	74 hp
Torque	96 lb-ft
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (A1)
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Electricity
EPA City MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	122
EPA Highway MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	93
EPA Combined MPGe (for EV/PHEV)	107
Estimated Driving Range	68 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$600
CO₂ Emissions	0
Greenhouse Gas Score	10
Smog Rating	10
Electric Vehicle System
Battery Supplier	Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE
Battery Chemistry	Lithium-ion
Gross Battery Capacity (kWh)	17.6
Usable Battery Capacity (kWh)	14.0
System Voltage	–
Number of Motors	1
Combined Output	55 kW
Combined Torque	96 lb-ft
EPA Range (Miles)	68
On-board Charger Power (kW)	3.3
AC Charging Power	3.3 kW
DC Fast Charging Power	–
Charge Port	J1772
Charging Standard (CCS1/NACS)	–
DC Charge Time (10-80%)	–
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)	No
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)	No
Heat Pump	No
Performance
0-30 mph	4.8 sec
0-60 mph	11.5 sec
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	–
Top Speed	78 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	–
Lateral Acceleration	–
Power-to-Weight Ratio	–
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	106.1
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	61.4
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	–
Height (in)	60.7
Wheelbase (in)	73.5
Front Track (in)	50.4
Rear Track (in)	54.6
Ground Clearance (in)	–
Curb Weight (lbs)	2150
GVWR (lbs)	–
Towing Capacity (lbs)	0
Payload Capacity (lbs)	–
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	45
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	7.8
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	12.0
Turning Circle	28.7 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	–
Side Impact	–
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	Optional Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Analog/Digital Hybrid
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	2-speaker
Speaker Count	2
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 yr / 50,000 mi
Powertrain Warranty	4 yr / 50,000 mi
Corrosion Warranty	12 yr / unlimited
Roadside Assistance	4 yr / 50,000 mi
Complimentary Maintenance	–
Hybrid Component Warranty	–
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr / 100,000 mi
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Transmission Supplier	–
Battery Cell Manufacturer	–
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	–
Cooling System Capacity	–
Frunk Capacity (cu ft)	0
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	–
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

In the used car market, the 2013-2016 smart fortwo electric drive is regarded as a niche specialty vehicle, highly valued for its extreme ease of parking and low operating costs. Reliability is generally considered solid due to the simplicity of the electric powertrain, though prospective buyers should be diligent in checking the state of health (SOH) of the battery pack, as degradation can significantly impact the already modest 68-mile range. Common issues to monitor include the 12V auxiliary battery, which can cause electrical gremlins if it fails, and the suspension components, which can wear prematurely on rougher roads. While it is not a practical primary vehicle for most, it remains an excellent, affordable choice for city dwellers seeking a dedicated “last-mile” commuter or a secondary car for short, local errands.