The decline in demand for 100% electric models globally in 2024 is prompting automotive manufacturers to reconsider their electrification plans.
The most recent case is that of Smart, which confirmed that the new #5, initially planned as a 100% electric model, will now feature a strengthened offering with a plug-in hybrid version that includes a combustion engine.
The plug-in hybrid variant will be equipped with a 110 hp turbo gasoline engine, combined with a 215 hp electric motor and a 19.1 kWh battery capacity, which is believed to be capable of achieving a range of 1,420 km.
Meanwhile, the 100% electric variant will be available with a more accessible 400 V single motor battery configuration, providing 335 hp supported by a 76 kW battery.
On the other hand, the variant with two electric motors of 415 hp will receive a much larger 100 kWh battery and a more advanced 800 V architecture.
Thus, the single motor variants are expected to offer a range of up to 570 km, while the versions equipped with two electric motors should provide a range of 740 km.
Although it is not yet known in which markets Smart will offer the plug-in hybrid variant of the new #5, the brand’s new electric model is expected to hit the European market in the coming months.
