Smart #3 EV spotted in India — Launch likely?

The Smart #3 EV was recently spotted on the Mumbai-Pune expressway with red registration plates undergoing testing. For those who are not aware, the Smart #3 EV is a small electric vehicle from Smart Automobile, which is jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely (also the owner of Volvo). Read the story to know more about the Smart #3 and its India launch expectations, if any.

Smart #3 EV launching in India?

Let’s get it clear out of the way. Smart Automobile has no plans to break into the Indian market. The brand’s philosophy doesn’t align with the Indian market. For the spy shot, the image of the Smart #3 also reveals the Valeo sticker on the boot lid of the test car, which happens to be an auto component manufacturer. In all likelihood, Valeo must be using the Smart #3 as a test bed for components that it may plan to introduce in the Indian market in the coming years.

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Smart #3 details

The Smart #3 EV sits between the Smart #1 and Smart #5 electric vehicles in the brand’s lineup. Like other Smart vehicles, the #3 is also compact in its dimensions and packs an aerodynamic design to aid in aerodynamic efficiency. In simpler terms, Smart is to Mercedes what Mini is to BMW — a range of compact lifestyle vehicles, electric vehicles only in the Smart’s case. 

These models are designed by Mercedes-Benz and pack several hits harking back to the German carmaker. One can find small Mercedes-Benz design elements in the headlights, tail lights, wheels and even the interior layout, with circular AC vents. On the features front, the Smart #3 packs a 12.8-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, a fixed glass roof, Beats audio, ventilated front seats, advanced driving assistance systems, head-up display, automated parking and more. 

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Coming to the Smart #3 specifications, the electric hatchback offers two motor configurations—rear and dual—and both draw power from a 66kWh battery pack. The single motor variants offer 271PS of power and accelerate from standstill to 100kmph in 5.8 seconds. The dual-motor variants add additional 156PS power, thereby shaving the acceleration time to 3.7 seconds. On the range front, the Smart #3 offers a certified range of up to 455km on a single charge.