Are They Still Making Smart Cars? | Current EV Lineup

Yes, Smart still builds cars as Chinese-made electric models, with new city and SUV designs replacing the tiny fortwo.

Search data shows plenty of drivers typing Are They Still Making Smart Cars? because the tiny two-seat fortwo seems to have vanished from city streets. Dealers in some regions stopped selling the brand years ago, and news of the last fortwo leaving the European factory in 2024 added more confusion.

If you like compact cars or you are weighing a small electric runabout, a clear picture helps. You need to know whether Smart stopped making cars entirely, what the current models are, and whether a modern Smart fits your life better than rivals like the Fiat 500e or Mini Electric.

Still Making Smart Cars Since 2020: What Changed

The short answer is yes, Smart cars are still being built, but the range looks very different from the old petrol fortwo and forfour. Production of the Smart EQ fortwo in Europe ended in March 2024, closing the chapter on the original microcar shape that made the brand well known.

Smart as a brand did not disappear though. Since 2019 it has been run as a fifty–fifty joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese group Geely, with design work led by Mercedes and most production now based in China. The new focus is larger all-electric models, sold under names like smart #1, smart #3, smart #5 and soon smart #2.

If you ask whether Smart still makes cars today, the honest reply is that Smart now builds only electric cars, mostly compact crossovers and a coming small hatchback. The old two-seat city car is gone for now, but a spiritual successor is on the way with the smart #2 project aimed at returning to that tiny footprint.

Smart Brand Today: Electric Lineup And Ownership

The current Smart range centres on three main model lines that share technology with other Geely products while keeping styling cues from older Smarts. Every new Smart runs on battery power, and each model targets a slightly different type of driver.

Model	Type	Status In 2025
smart #1	Compact electric SUV	On sale in Europe and Asia
smart #3	Sportier electric SUV	On sale in selected markets
smart #5	Mid-size electric SUV	Launching in more regions through 2025
smart #2	Small electric city car	Confirmed project, expected around 2026–2027

This line-up shows how far Smart has moved from tiny two-seat petrol cars. The smart #1 and #3 match compact crossovers like the Hyundai Kona Electric in length, while the smart #5 stretches into mid-size SUV territory. Range figures vary by battery and trim, but many versions cover more than three hundred kilometres between charges in mixed driving.

Inside, the new cars follow current EV trends: large touchscreens, phone-style interfaces, and strong links with mobile apps for remote preconditioning or charging checks. Buyers who liked the stripped-back feel of the old fortwo might find the new cabins busier, yet they gain far more space, comfort, and safety kit.

Still Making Smart Cars Around The World: Where And What

Smart withdrew from North America earlier in the last decade, so no new Smarts are on sale there. In Europe and parts of Asia, though, the badge is alive. The joint venture uses a centralised production base in China, then ships cars to regional markets under the smart brand.

Market coverage varies by country, and some smaller markets work with online ordering and a handful of delivery partners instead of a dense dealer network. Buyers usually configure a car on the smart website, then complete the sale through a local distributor that handles registration and aftercare.

Smart also promotes itself as an urban friendly choice in regions where congestion charges or emission zones push drivers toward electric cars. Compact exterior dimensions help with parking, while battery range now fits longer trips compared to the earliest electric fortwo models.

If you live in a region where Smart no longer operates, you still see older petrol or early electric fortwo cars on the used market. Prices and spare parts availability can vary widely, so it pays to speak with independent specialists or owners’ groups before relying on one as a daily driver.

From Fortwo To Hashtag Models: Why The Tiny Car Stopped

The original fortwo always stood out in traffic. It was shorter than many parking spaces, easy to slot into tight side streets, and carried a strong safety cell even with such a small footprint. That quirky shape became a symbol of city driving in the early two thousands.

Sales never matched the cost of building such a compact car though. Regulations grew stricter, crash standards rose, and adding modern safety and driver assistance gear to such a short body became harder and more expensive. At the same time, buyers shifted toward small crossovers with higher seating positions and more flexible cabins.

Smart responded by announcing the end of the EQ fortwo, closing order books in 2023 and winding down production in 2024. The company chose to redirect investment toward a fresh modular platform that could carry various body styles. That platform now sits under the smart #1, #3 and #5, and it will also carry the smart #2 city car.

Enthusiasts still miss the original shape, yet the switch gives Smart a better chance of survival. Sharing underlying parts with other Geely brands cuts costs, while keeping Mercedes in charge of design helps the cars retain a distinct identity in a crowded EV market. Some owners feel unsure today.

Where You Can Still Buy A Smart Car

Availability in 2025 depends strongly on where you live. Western Europe and parts of Asia see the widest choice of new models, while other regions depend on imports or used stock. Smart lists active markets on its global portal, and national websites show local pricing and trim names.

Buying New Smart Cars

New Smarts are sold mainly online, backed by a small number of showrooms in major cities. Orders run through a central site, with fixed pricing and limited haggling. Delivery times depend on demand and shipping schedules, especially if your region relies on batches shipped from China by sea.

• Check local smart sites — Confirm whether smart #1, #3 or #5 are on sale in your country.
• Compare dealer and online offers — See if test drives or showroom stock are available near you.
• Ask about charging options — Find out which home chargers and public networks the car works with.

Buying Used Smart Cars

Used car listings still carry plenty of petrol fortwo and forfour models, plus the last EQ fortwo versions. These cars can be cheap to buy yet may bring higher repair costs as they age.

• Inspect service history — Look for regular oil changes on petrol cars and documented battery checks on electric ones.
• Check parts access — Call local garages to ask about parts prices and expected wait times.
• Test for gearbox quirks — Many earlier fortwo models use an automated manual box that can feel jerky or slow.

Smart Car Reliability, Safety, And Running Costs

Dependability for Smart cars has always been mixed. Some owners report years of trouble free city use, while others mention gearbox, electrical, or trim issues. Electric versions remove some mechanical complexity, yet they add battery and software items that need careful attention.

Reliability And Maintenance

Older petrol fortwo models benefit from regular fluid changes and careful warm-up. Turbo versions respond badly to skipped maintenance, and suspension bushes on city cars can wear quickly because of frequent speed bumps and rough surfaces.

• Follow service schedules — Stick to the time and mileage intervals in the handbook.
• Use trusted workshops — Pick garages familiar with small Mercedes and Smart models.
• Plan for software updates — For newer EVs, confirm that over-the-air updates are active.

Electric Smarts simplify things by removing clutches, gearsets and exhaust systems. Owners instead watch battery health, cooling systems, and brake wear. Regenerative braking can extend pad life, but heavy city use still wears consumables steadily.

Safety And Ownership Costs

Modern smart #1 and #3 models meet current crash standards and include common driver aids like automatic braking, lane assistance and multiple airbags. Insurance prices vary by market but tend to track other small electric crossovers, helped by moderate power outputs in mainstream trims.

Running costs mix low energy use with sometimes higher tyre and repair bills. Short wheelbases and strong torque work tyres hard, and body panels can be expensive after parking knocks. Public charging prices matter as well, so it helps to compare night rate home tariffs and workplace charging access.

Should You Buy A Smart Car Or Consider Rivals?

Whether a Smart suits you now depends on how you drive and where you live. If you spend most of your time in tight streets and rarely drive long motorway stretches, a compact EV like the smart #1 can feel light and easy to park while still carrying friends and luggage.

Drivers who mainly travel long distances may prefer a small hatchback or sedan with a larger battery or a hybrid powertrain. Some rivals offer longer range on highways, larger boots, or wider dealer networks. On the other hand, Smart keeps turning out cars with tidy footprints and strong low speed response, which can feel ideal for daily commuting and short trips.

• Compare real range — Check independent tests for highway and city range figures.
• Weigh interior space — Sit in the back seats and judge comfort for your passengers.
• Look at charging access — Map chargers near home, work and regular routes.
• Check warranty cover — Read the fine print on battery and drive unit guarantees.

Smart cars remain niche in many markets, which can help if you like driving something different from the herd. At the same time, that niche status means fewer specialist garages, lower used stock, and sometimes slower parts supply.

Key Takeaways: Are They Still Making Smart Cars?

➤ Smart still builds cars as all-electric models only.

➤ The classic fortwo ended production in early 2024.

➤ New smart #1, #3 and #5 target compact SUV buyers.

➤ smart #2 city car is meant to revive the tiny two-seater idea.

➤ Availability depends on your country and dealer setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Still Buy A Brand New Fortwo?

Brand new fortwo cars are no longer rolling off the line. Production of the latest EQ fortwo stopped in 2024, so any remaining stock now comes from unsold dealer cars or pre-registered examples sitting in storage.

What Replaced The Smart Fortwo In The Range?

The fortwo did not get a direct replacement with the same short body. Instead, Smart shifted attention toward the smart #1 and #3, which are still compact but far longer and wider than the old two-seater.

Are New Smart Cars Only Sold As Electric Vehicles?

Yes, new Smart cars are battery powered only. The brand dropped petrol and diesel engines and now sits as an electric specialist under the joint Mercedes and Geely ownership structure.

How Long Do Smart Electric Car Batteries Last?

Real world battery life depends on mileage, charging habits and climate, but most owners can expect many years of use before range falls sharply. Smart typically backs high voltage packs with separate warranties that sit alongside standard cover.

Is A Used Smart Fortwo A Sensible First Car?

A used fortwo can work well for short city trips, simple parking and low speed driving practice. Light steering and a tiny footprint make it easy for new drivers to gain confidence in heavy traffic or narrow streets.

Wrapping It Up – Are They Still Making Smart Cars?

Smart is still in business, but the cars it builds now look very different from the stubby city runabouts that first carried the badge. The brand has turned into a maker of stylish electric crossovers with a strong city focus and growing range.

For anyone asking whether Smart still makes cars, the picture is clear. The tiny fortwo has bowed out, yet Smart continues as an all-electric brand with the smart #1, #3 and #5 on sale and the smart #2 city car under development. If you like compact electric cars and do much of your driving in town, it stays well worth adding Smart to your test drive list.