The third-generation Smart ForTwo arrived in 2014 with significant changes over its predecessor. Co-developed with French carmaker Renault, it received a more traditional exterior design with a longer front hood, a revamped interior, and three new engines. Much like its predecessor, it also spawned a convertible and AMG version, and at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Smart unveiled an all-electric variant.

Called the ForTwo Electric Drive (or ED), the emission-free car uses a brand-new electric drivetrain with enhanced output and increased range. For the first time, the electric motor is also offered in the convertible versions, making the ForTwo the only electric cabriolet on the market. What's more, because the same drivetrain is also available in the larger ForFour model, Smart is the only car manufacturer to offer its entire model range with both combustion engines and battery-electric drive. Not that it would be difficult having just two vehicles, but it's still a noteworthy achievement.

The new ForTwo Electric Drive will arrive in the United States in 2017. The coupe version will debut in the spring, while the cabriolet model will hit dealerships in the summer. Until that happens, let's have a closer look at the smallest EV on the market and how it stacks up compared to its predecessor and main competitors.

Continue reading to learn more about the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive.

Exterior

Much like the previous-generation ForTwo, the new Electric Drive is identical to its gasoline and diesel siblings. Granted, the official photos show cars with Electric Green accents on the bumpers, wheels, and side skirts, but this feature is actually part of the optional Electric Drive Design package. Select the car in standard trim and the only extras you get over the gasoline model are the "Electric Drive" and "ED" lettering on the front fascia and C-pillars, respectively. There's no need to be disappointed though, if you're the type that likes his car unique, the Electric Drive model benefits from a wide range customization options with regard to colors of exterior panels and elements, and optional equipment, just like the regular model.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Step inside and everything will seem familiar if you've already been in the standard model. Like the exterior, the interior remains pretty much the same as far as design goes. As you might have already guessed, the bright-green accents are also part of the Electric Drive Design package, while other colors can be selected from the long options list.

However, there are a few features that set the EV apart from its siblings. First, the Electric Drive is equipped with an additional dashboard instrument with power meter and battery status display. On request, Smart will also add the winter package with heated steering wheel for enhanced climate comfort.

Second, there's the Smart Control app, which enables the driver to access certain features via a smartphone, tablet or PC. For instance, users can activate the pre-entry climate control system and check the car's charging status. The former enables the desired temperature to be reached inside the cabin while the vehicle is still charging at a socket. This way you won't have to deal with cold or hot temperatures inside the car at the beginning of your travels.

Drivetrain

Like you'd expect from an electric car, the drivetrain is where the ForTwo Electric Drive is completely different from its siblings. Instead of the small-displacement three-cylinder engines available across the lineup, the ED features an electric motor with a single fixed gear ratio for additional comfort in dense city traffic and a battery.

The drivetrain pumps out 80 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque, which accounts for a six-horsepower and 22-pound-feet increase over the outgoing model. At the same time, the Electric Drive is the second most-powerful, being surpassed only by the 90-horsepower, 0.9-liter version, and the torquiest ForTwo in the current lineup.

Smart had nothing to say about the ED's acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, but it should be a tad quicker than the previous model, which needed 11.5 seconds to hit the benchmark. The German brand did mention that top speed is limited to 81 mph in order to maximize range, a three mph increase compared to its predecessor. Speaking of range, which is definitely one of the most important attribute for an electric car, the new ForTwo Electric Drive will cover 99 miles (or 160 km) on a single charge. This is a significant, 12-mile increase over the previous car.

There's good news as far as charging time goes too. Thanks to a new, high-performance on-board charger, the vehicle can be charged in 2.5 hours, versus 5.5 hours of the outgoing model. Another new feature is the Eco mode, a function designed for efficient driving style. When activated, this setup further limits maximum speed, adjusts the accelerator curve, and switches into maximum energy recuperation mode.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Pricing information is not yet available, but expect the new ForTwo ED to cost more than the outgoing model, which retails from $25,750. A starting price of around $26,500 is likely.

Competition

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The Smart ForTwo is pretty much in a league of its own, especially since Toyota discontinued the tiny iQ. This is also available on the EV market, where the i-MiEV is the only competitor that's available globally. Launched in 2009, the Japanese EV soldiered on with very few changes until 2016. For the 2017 model year, it is offered with the same synchronous permanent magnetic motor, single-speed transmission, and 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor generates 66 horsepower from 300 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque from as little as 300 rpm. Top speed is similar at 80 mph, as is the range, rated at up to 98 miles. Charging on the other hand takes significantly longer, with the i-MiEV battery needing six hours to fill up. Pricing starts from $22,995, which makes it the more affordable choice.

Find out more about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV here.

Conclusion

Due to its size and frugal engines, the ForTwo is a unique car on the market and the perfect choice if you want to stroll around town without having to worry about finding parking spots or spending too much money on gasoline/diesel. The electric model comes to make this deal even sweeter, removing gas stations from your route and eliminating fuel-related expenses. Granted, it's significantly more expensive than the gasoline version, but the extra investment should pay off in a few years.