Top pick: Smart #1 EV and why its 800V tech matters
Smart #1 EV is a compact electric crossover that combines 800V charging technology, 12-minute fast charging and strong performance to bring ultra-fast EV charging to buyers who want a practical daily car instead of a high-priced flagship model.
If you want the single best-value entry into 800V charging today, buy the refreshed Smart #1. The car drops its older 400V setup for a full 800V silicon carbide architecture, cutting high‑voltage cabling and boosting efficiency. Paired with a roughly mid‑60 kWh battery, it can charge from 10–80% in about 12 minutes on a powerful DC charger, slashing around 18 minutes off the previous model’s time of over half an hour. That headline number is not a concept promise; it is the real, quoted capability of the production car. For most budget‑conscious EV buyers, this makes the Smart #1 the most convincing option if you care about charging time as much as price.
800V charging vs 400V: what 12-minute fast charging changes
The main reason to pick the Smart #1 over rivals like the Kia EV3 or Renault Mégane E‑Tech is its 800V charging technology. Smart has shifted the car onto an 800V version of Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform after using a 400V system before. That single change allows the battery to take a quoted peak DC power of about 360 kW and reach 10–80% in roughly 12 minutes on a suitable ultra‑fast charger. According to one source, “the new Smart #1’s 66kWh battery can now be charged from 10%-80% in just 12 minutes, 18 minutes fewer than the current car’s time of over half an hour.”
In daily life, this shifts how you plan journeys. Instead of building long trips around half‑hour stops, a 12‑minute fast charge keeps breaks close to what you would take in a petrol car. On commutes, even a short coffee stop can give you a large range top‑up. While the exact real‑world time depends on charger power and conditions, the Smart #1’s hardware is clearly a step beyond the 400V systems used by many compact EVs, making ultra-fast EV charging viable in an affordable crossover.
Performance, range and space: how the Smart #1 stacks up
Beyond charging, the Smart #1 is quick and usable enough to be your only car. A new electric motor developed within the Geely group delivers about 328 bhp, sending power to the rear axle and moving the car from 0–62 mph in 6.7 seconds. One source notes that this powertrain is Smart’s answer to alternatives such as the Renault Mégane E‑Tech and Kia EV3, while also lining up against compact premium rivals. That output gives the Smart #1 a lively feel without drifting into full hot‑hatch territory, and the rear‑wheel‑drive layout adds a playful edge.
On efficiency tests, the car reaches up to about 331 miles on the more lenient CLTC cycle, equivalent to roughly 272 miles on the WLTP test. That is competitive for a compact crossover with this level of power. Crucially, the footprint stays city‑friendly: its length, width, and wheelbase keep it firmly in the small‑SUV bracket while still allowing meaningful rear legroom and flexible cargo space. For buyers who want one EV that can handle daily errands, family duty and weekend trips, these numbers make the Smart #1 a strong all‑round package, not just a charging champion.
Tech, comfort and trim: where the Smart #1 feels premium
Inside, the Smart #1 feels closer to a tech lounge than a sparse budget EV. The cabin combines clean, minimalist design with a large 15.4‑inch central touchscreen, a 10.2‑inch digital driver display and an optional head‑up display, all driven by modern chips and software tailored to this car. Higher trims add a roof‑mounted LiDAR as part of a 31‑sensor suite, feeding an advanced computing platform for driver assistance. This stack supports sophisticated features such as map‑free navigation on busy streets and highways.
Recent updates lean towards a more luxurious feel, with new LED headlights, fresh wheel designs, redesigned seats and upgraded materials that move the Smart #1 away from its no‑frills past. While detailed equipment will vary by market, the direction is clear: Smart is turning what was once a quirky urban runabout into a compact SUV that can rival traditional premium brands for comfort. If you want a car that feels modern every time you sit in it, the Smart #1 delivers that without the price tag of larger high‑end EVs.
Smart #1 vs rivals: why it is the sensible 800V choice
For budget‑conscious buyers comparing the Smart #1 EV to the Kia EV3 and Renault Mégane E‑Tech, the conclusion is straightforward: if charging speed matters, pick the Smart. It is positioned directly as Smart’s answer to those cars, as well as other small electric SUVs. However, unlike many rivals that stay on 400V systems, the Smart #1 offers 800V charging with 10–80% in about 12 minutes when conditions and chargers allow. That is a core advantage that impacts every long trip you take.
Range is competitive at the equivalent of roughly 272 miles WLTP, so you are not trading distance for fast charging. Performance is also stronger than many mainstream compact EVs, thanks to its roughly 328 bhp motor and 6.7‑second 0–62 mph sprint. With styling and cabin upgrades that push it in a more premium direction, the Smart #1 undercuts many high‑end 800V cars by offering similar charging benefits in a smaller, more affordable package. For most buyers who want one electric SUV that is quick to charge, quick to drive and still manageable in tight streets, the Smart #1 is the best value‑driven choice.
| Spec / Feature | Smart #1 EV |
|---|---|
| Electrical architecture | 800V silicon carbide system replacing earlier 400V design |
| Battery capacity (approx.) | Around mid‑60 kWh (61.52–66 kWh, depending on specification) |
| Fast charging (DC) | 10–80% in about 12 minutes; peak around 360 kW quoted |
| Power / drivetrain | About 328–329 hp rear‑motor drive; 0–62 mph in 6.7 s |
| Range (test figures) | Up to about 331 miles CLTC (~272 miles WLTP equivalent) |
| Positioning | Compact electric SUV rivaling Kia EV3 and Renault Mégane E‑Tech with faster charging advantage |
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Smart #1 EV if you want 800V charging and 10–80% top‑ups in about 12 minutes on suitable ultra‑fast chargers.
- Skip the Smart #1 EV if you rarely use DC fast charging and mostly plug in overnight, so 800V speed is wasted on your driving pattern.
- Buy the Smart #1 EV if you are choosing between compact SUVs like the Kia EV3 or Renault Mégane E‑Tech and care most about shorter charging stops.
- Skip the Smart #1 EV if you prefer a larger SUV with more cargo space than a compact footprint can offer.
- Buy the Smart #1 EV if you want strong performance from a roughly 328 bhp rear‑drive setup without moving to a full performance model.
- Skip the Smart #1 EV if minimalist tech holds more appeal than the large screens, sensor suite and advanced driver assistance on offer.
- Buy the Smart #1 EV if you want an EV that feels premium inside but remains in a more affordable compact segment.
