Malaysia to get an EV called #1

KUALA LUMPUR: Yes, it is true. Malaysia will soon get a new electric vehicle that will join the country’s growing EV troop. Called the #1, this particular EV is the product of Smart and is due to make its official debut later this year. In Malaysia, the Smart #1 will be imported and distributed by Proton via its distribution arm, Proton Edar. Thailand too is part of the channel.

Do you know the names of Smart’s other cars? Well, it's Fortwo and Forfour, meaning the company has a thing for unconventional or to-the-point names. Meaning its upcoming #1 EV will truly be the number one EV.

In case you aren’t aware of Smart, it is an automobile company that recently entered in a joint venture with Geely and Mercedes-Benz (who now co-own the brand) and is reinventing itself as a premium all-electric automotive tech company.

Coming back to the name, #1, it is not the first time Smart has used the ‘#’ symbol. Previously, it introduced the Concept #1 with a new design language. However, the brand’s recent announcement has confirmed that the hashtag followed by number will be its new naming convention for its upcoming products.

On picking up the ‘#’ symbol, Smart said, hashtag is “often used to indicate the hottest topics in social media”, and ii sure is “evocative of trendsetting in the digital era”, thus making it fitting for the brand.

Daniel Lescow, Smart Automobile VP of Global Sales, Marketing and After-Sales said, “As the first product set to launch following the brand’s renewal, the smart #1 perfectly combines electric-drive technology and premium quality. I am convinced that the smart #1 will enthuse future customers in both China and Europe, setting new trends of urban mobility and co-creating powerful brand experiences wherever it will make an appearance.”

Coming to its style, the Smart #1 is designed by Mercedes-Benz global design team. It features a streamlined exterior which is “a perfect balance of aesthetics and aerodynamics”. Not to forget the bucket load of innovative devices it carries along, for instance, the active grille shutter, concealed door handles, a robust ESP system from Bosch, and much more. Also, the electric crossover archives aerodynamic performance thanks to its sleek shape.

Coming to its performance, the Smart #1 recently finished a series of aerodynamic and wither tests. The results confirmed the EV registered a drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd which helps it achieve better driving range.

Furthermore, the winter test confirmed the working of several ‘smart’ features, like ice-breaking function on the concealed door handles, battery temperature regulation system that preheats the battery, ensuring optimized charging speed and working temperature while driving.

Yang Jun, Smart Automobile VP of Research and Development said, “Thanks to the seamless cooperation between smart and the Mercedes-Benz design team, the smart #1 is a masterpiece of engineering.The pre-market test results also prove the outstanding quality, performance and reliability of the smart #1.”

Are you excited about the ‘hashtag’ EV? Let us know in the comments.

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