Malaysia-bound Smart #1 EV: What do we know so far?

Earlier this year, Proton announced its association with premium EV brand smart Automobile Company for selling the latter's EVs in Malaysia. The news caused a stir in the market with the impression that Proton has taken the lead over Perodua in the electric cars segment.

For starters, smart is a JV company owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, which globally revealed its first new model eight years earlier this month. Dubbed as the smart #1, the new electric crossover has now been launched in China, providing us with more information to get the reference for the Malaysian-spec model. So, here we bring all the details we know so far.

Expected drive range is between 535 km and 560 km

In the home market, the electric crossover comes in two variants - Pro+ and Premium. Both are equipped with an electric motor (rear-drive) generating a maximum output of 272 PS and a peak torque of 343 Nm. The battery pack coupled with the motor is a 66 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide offering a range between 535 km and 560 km, depending on the variant. A dual-motor with an all-wheel drive is also on the cards.

30 minutes charging time with 150 kW DC fast charger

As per the Chinese automaker, the smart #1 will take only 30 minutes to charge when using a 150 kW DC fast charger. However, the AC charging will take 7.5 hours for 0 - 80% SOC with an input of 7.2 kW.

0-100 kmph acceleration time of 6.7 seconds

The smart #1 electric motor drives the rear wheels, allowing the electric SUV to hit the century sprint in 6.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 180 kmph.

Slightly shorter than its nearest rival

Against the measuring tape, the smart #1 electric SUV measures 4,290 mm in length, 1,968 mm in height, 1,910 mm in width, with a 2,750 mm-long wheelbase. Compared to the MINI Countryman, its nearest rival, the EV is 7 mm shorter with an 80 mm longer wheelbase.

Kitted with advanced features

As standard, the Chinese-spec model features LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, a 9.2-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 5-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, powered seats, a 64-colour ambient lighting, vehicle-to-load function, seven airbags, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

With the full bells and whistles trim, the automaker offers more advanced bits like matrix LED headlamps, head-up display, 13-speaker Beats sound system, and a more comprehensive Pilot pack of Level 2 driver assistance systems.

We hope the automaker will bring the same features kit to Malaysia as well.

Likely to be priced around RM 152k

Coming to the smart #1 price, the automaker retails the EV's base variant for 190,000 yuan (approx RM126k) in China with a high-spec model carrying a tag of 230,000 yuan (RM152k). For the local market, we expect the EV to be similarly priced as it will be entitled to get an advantage of ongoing tax, import and excise duties waiver.

Production and distribution details

The automaker is manufacturing the EV at a new facility located in Xi'an, China. However, as stated above, Proton Edar has been appointed as the importer, distributor, and dealer for distribution in Malaysia, which means there will be no local assembly.

That's all we know about the upcoming smart #1 EV. For further updates, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Is there a new Proton Saga coming to showrooms?