smart unveils new two-seat EV, the #2, in world premiere in Paris

response.jp reported on October 28, 2026, that smart unveiled the new compact EV, the #2, in a world premiere at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The Pure model for Europe starts at €19,990 (about ¥3.6 million), and its target range is up to 290 km in the WLTP combined cycle. The vehicle is 2,746 mm long and is undergoing type-approval procedures.

The reported price is the starting price for the Pure model in Europe, and the range of up to 290 km is a target. Buyers will therefore need to determine whether they can compare the price and performance after approval on the same basis. Since type approval is still in progress, the specifications at the unveiling and the actual delivery schedule should be considered separately.

In our view, the focus is on which electric-vehicle features smart has packed into a small body while retaining the concept of a two-seat car. The reported specifications include rear-wheel drive, an underfloor battery, fast charging, external power supply and driver-assistance features. Rather than simply being a small car, it can be seen as a model whose design will be judged on how it delivers driving, charging and safety assistance within limited dimensions. However, the reported information does not allow a comparison of the real-world performance of each feature or the conditions under which the features are available. A second issue is how to interpret the price and range. The €19,990 figure is the starting price for the Pure model; it does not indicate the full price range including other grades and options. The maximum 290 km is a target for the WLTP combined cycle and should be distinguished from a certified result. Judging the car as “cheap” based only on its price, or treating the target range as its real-world driving distance, could lead buyers to overlook the conditions they need to compare. The vehicle’s value can be assessed concretely only once the equipment by grade and the range confirmed after approval are available. A third issue is the process still to be completed between the unveiling and the start of sales. According to response.jp, type approval is in progress and deliveries are planned after approval is completed, but no approval or delivery start date was given. At this point, the confirmed information is the vehicle’s unveiling and its price for Europe; specific sales timing and expansion into other regions cannot be considered settled. The report also does not mention plans to introduce the vehicle in Japan, so a return to the market cannot be inferred from past sales. Points to watch include the range after approval, confirmed pricing and equipment, delivery timing and sales regions. See the original report for details.