Our Top Pick: Smart #1 With 800V Fast Charging
800V fast charging in the Smart #1 EV is an ultra-fast charging technology that allows its 61.52 kWh battery to go from roughly 10% to 80% in about twelve minutes when connected to a suitable high-output DC charger, dramatically reducing typical EV charging speed concerns for daily driving and longer trips. The refreshed Smart #1 is our clear recommendation because it combines this 800V silicon carbide architecture with a lively single rear motor rated at 245 kW and 236 lb-ft of torque, giving a 0–62 mph time of 6.7 seconds while keeping everyday efficiency in focus. According to the technical data, both 535 Max and 535 Ultra variants share the same 332-mile CLTC range, 61.52 kWh LFP battery, single RWD powertrain, and 12-minute 10–80% charging capability, which means you do not sacrifice performance or range when you choose the more affordable specification.
| Spec | Smart #1 535 Max | Smart #1 535 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 61.52 kWh LFP | 61.52 kWh LFP |
| Architecture | 800V SiC, 6C ultra-fast charging | 800V SiC, 6C ultra-fast charging |
| Powertrain | Single RWD motor, 245 kW / 236 lb-ft | Single RWD motor, 245 kW / 236 lb-ft |
| 0–62 mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| CLTC range | 332 miles | 332 miles |
| 10–80% DC charge | 12 minutes | 12 minutes |
How 800V Ultra-Fast Charging Changes Real-World Use
The step from the Smart #1’s previous 400V system to the new 800V silicon carbide architecture is not an abstract tech upgrade; it is a direct answer to real EV charging speed frustrations. The older car’s roughly half-hour fast-charge sessions had begun to feel slow in a market where buyers compare charging times as closely as acceleration numbers. Geely’s integrated 16‑in‑1 electric drive cuts high-voltage wiring by 30% and keeps the motor unit compact, which helps with efficiency and makes the car easier to package without stealing cabin space. Paired with a 61.52 kWh LFP pack capable of 6C ultra-fast charging, the Smart #1 can blast from 10% to 80% in about twelve minutes when plugged into a high-output DC station, so a quick stop is much closer to the time you would spend refueling a gas-powered crossover.
Design, Tech and Trim: 535 Max vs 535 Ultra
Both Smart #1 variants sit on the same compact crossover footprint, with length, width, height and wheelbase unchanged from the original model, and styling updates focused on fresh wheels, new LED headlights and expanded colour and trim options. Inside, the cabin leans toward a blend of German-inspired minimalism and high-end digital features, including a 15.4‑inch 2.5K central touchscreen, 10.2‑inch digital cluster, 10‑inch head-up display and up to 24 seat configuration modes and a 13-speaker surround system. The 535 Max comes with 18‑inch wheels and soft leatherette seats as standard, while the 535 Ultra increases wheel size to 19 inches and adds front seat ventilation and massage, plus an advanced driver assistance setup with LiDAR, Nvidia Orin Y computing and city/highway NSP as standard. Smart has also refreshed the seating design and materials to move the #1 toward a more luxurious feel in updated models.
Why Smart #1’s Value Proposition Matters for EV Buying
The Smart #1 shows how 800V fast charging and ultra-fast charging technology can be offered without pushing the car into exotic, high-price territory, which is central to modern electric vehicle buying decisions. Geely’s role is key here: its best EV hardware, including the 16‑in‑1 integrated drive and G‑ASD H5 software platform, is used to keep charging times short and driver assistance features advanced while still targeting mainstream buyers rather than niche early adopters. The result is a compact crossover that feels far removed from the original two-seat city car: you get rear legroom and cargo flexibility from 11.1 ft³ to 34.5 ft³ with seats folded, along with credible performance and fast charging. Marrying this hardware with sleek Mercedes-inspired styling turns the Smart #1 into a compelling package for drivers who want an EV that treats charging stops as quick, routine breaks instead of long waits.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Smart #1 535 Max if you want 800V fast charging and 12‑minute 10–80% DC sessions at the lowest entry point in the range.
- Buy the Smart #1 535 Ultra if you care about advanced driver assistance with LiDAR, Orin Y computing and city/highway NSP as standard, plus comfort features such as front seat ventilation and massage.
- Buy the Smart #1 EV if you want a compact crossover with a 61.52 kWh LFP battery, 332‑mile CLTC range and 6.7‑second 0–62 mph performance in a rear‑wheel‑drive package.
- Skip the Smart #1 535 Max if you feel you must have the most complete assistance suite and larger 19‑inch wheels rather than its more modest equipment level.
- Skip the Smart #1 EV if you do not value ultra-fast charging technology and would prefer a simpler powertrain without an 800V silicon carbide architecture.
- Skip the Smart #1 535 Ultra if you are indifferent to extra tech and comfort equipment and would rather avoid paying for features you will rarely use.
