Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Electric Cars: Benefits Of Electric Driving: Top 5
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Benefits Of Green Energy: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Smart #1 SUV
In June 2020, Smart Europe GmbH was founded, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart Automobile Co. Ltd. The company is a joint venture between the German automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Co,, Ltd, the Chinese automotive manufacturer. The vision of the joint venture is to “position Smart as a leading provider of intelligent electric vehicles in the premium segment’.
The Smart Europe based team is responsible for all sales, marketing and after-sales activities. For those keen to learn about the first-generation of Smart electric cars, follow the links below:
- Smart EQ Fortwo coupe
- Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio
- Smart EQ Forfour
- Smart #1 SUV
Many of us are familiar with the first-generation compact Smart electric cars, often seen in large urban centres. In April 2022, the company introduced its second-generation of electric cars at the world premiere of its latest latest battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the Smart #1 SUV. The #1 name does seem confusing, but it is intended to be pronounced as ‘Hashtag One’!
The Smart #1 SUV is the first all-electric SUV from the company and also heralds its intention for its next-generation of pure electric cars. The e-SUV is a renewal of the automotive brand and company, which is keen to become more global, to include, increasing its market presence in China. In fact, the Smart #1 uses Geely’s new all-electric platform called the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA-2).
The Smart #1 EV is more practical than the first-generation compact Smart EQ electric cars (mostly, two-seaters). Though the first-generation compact EQs were developed for the urban environment, the EQ electric cars offered limited practicality and appeal. That is all set to change with the new generation Smart #1 EV. It is evident that the company has assessed carefully the needs of the consumer and the type of electric car best suited to deliver market success for a broader user base.
At the world premier of the e-SUV, the company was keen to stress that a key factor in the development of the electric SUV was to eliminate the fear of ‘range anxiety’. The Smart #1 EV certainly does that! The electric SUV has a 66 kWh onboard EV battery, compared to the 17.6 kWh EV battery in the Smart EQ electric cars.
The e-SUV has a claimed WLTP emission-free electric range up to 440 km, while the EQ electric cars offer an electric range below 160 km. Of course, the real-world e-range will be less than the claimed range, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, payload, weather, road surface, temperature, onboard services used, regenerative braking profile and more!
A realistic real-world electric range will be closer to 400 km. Even though the Smart #1 is positioned as an ‘urban companion’, the electric car is also practical for those living in rural areas. In terms of length, the new generation e-SUV offers more practicality compared to the EQ EV. The Smart #1 has a length of 4.2m and 1.6m height, compared to 2.6m and 1.5m for the EQ cars. Though the #1 is positioned as a SUV, it is really closer to a crossover.
The electric SUV offers a boot size up to 273 L and a small frunk (15 L). Though the boot space is not as large as some competitor cars, it is a massive improvement from the first-generation EQ (185 L). The #1 EV also incorporates a gesture-powered automatic tailgate. For those new the electric driving, a frunk is storage space in the front of the EV, one of the advantages of having removed the internal combustion engine (ICE) in a BEV!
The Smart e-SUV offers DC charging up to 150 kW DC and a three-phase 22 kW AC onboard charger as standard. Given the size of the onboard EV battery, a DC rapid charging capability up to 150 kW DC is more than sufficient, allowing the EV to be charged from 10% – 80% in 30 minutes.
As most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the onboard 22 kW AC charger, will only be for those with access to three-phase AC EV charging at home or the workplace. Of course, one can also take advantage of 3 phase AC public charging stations. At 22 kW AC, the onboard EV battery can be fully charged in 3 hours.
Single-phase (7 kW) EV charging will take longer. We encourage charging at home via a dedicated single-phase EV charger like myenergi zappi. Though the EV can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN plug, we at e-zoomed do not encourage using a domestic plug for charging an electric car.
We at e-zoomed recommend charging the EV at home, overnight, when the electricity prices are cheaper. Moreover we also encourage home owners to take advantage of on-site renewable energy generation and battery storage. The benefits for electric car owners are immense, to include, financial savings and achieving true ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emission electric driving.
The Smart electric SUV is available in four variants, though initially, only the Launch Edition will be available. For the top of the range, Brabus, the EV is available as an all-wheel drive (AWD), while the other variants are rear-wheel drive (RWD). The company intends to manufacture up to 1,000 units of the Launch Edition. This variant is available in one colour scheme, a white body coupled with a platinum gold metallic roof.
The electric car offers a host of safety features, that we have now come to expect from the latest generation of electric cars. These include: adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, active lane keeping system, blind spot assist, highway and traffic jam assist, auto parking assist, adaptive high beam assist and more. The e-SUV also incorporates 7 airbags. In terms of infotainment, the EV has a 12.8″ touch-screen central display and a 9.2″ full digital instrument cluster. For those that love ambient lighting, the EV offers 64 colours in 20 illumination levels.
In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive #1 electric car can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds (maximum power: 272 PS/ torque: 343 Nm). The four-wheel drive Brabus variant can achieve 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The top speed for the EV is 180 km/h. The electric car also benefits from instant torque.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Decent pure electric range for city and motorway driving | Heat pump not standard on all variants |
| 150 kW DC charging and 22 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Limited boot space |
| Nippy performance | Cheaper alternatives available |
Gallery
The All-Electric Smart #1 SUV (credit: Smart)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | No |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Smart #1 SUV (from € N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 66 kWh |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 22 kW AC (10%-80%: 3 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state-of-charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1636 |
| Width (mm): | 1822 |
| Length (mm): | 4270 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2750 |
| Turning Circle (m): | N/A |
| Boot Space (L): | 273 |
| Smart #1 Launch Edition | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 66 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 400 – 440 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/160km): | 28.8 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 22 kW AC (10%-80%: 3 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | N/A |
| Max Power (PS): | 272 |
| Torque (Nm): | 343 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,820 |
| Colours: | 1 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): An Introduction
V2G is an innovative bidirectional technology that allows the onboard EV battery to be charged and discharged i.e. electrical energy to be exported/ discharged from the onboard EV battery to the grid via a V2G compatible EV charger. It also allows for vital informational flow (data) to the grid. In effect, the V2G technology allows an EV battery to be used as a grid-connected energy storage unit.
| Benefits: V2G | |
|---|---|
| Lower energy costs: | V2G can lower utility costs to include, lowering wholesale and retail energy costs |
| Improving the grid’s response ability: | V2G can improve the stability of the intra-day supply and demand needs, improving the grids ability to meet the needs of peak demand |
| Improving power quality: | V2G can improve power quality by controlling voltage and power factors |
| Increase resilience: | V2G can improve the resilience of the grid and electricity network in significantly adverse conditions |
| Increase use of renewable energy: | V2G enables an increase in the contribution of renewable energy to the national energy generation mix. The higher the contribution of RE, the greener the power supplied |
| Reduce cost of EV ownership: | V2G can reduce the cost of EV ownership by enabling EV owners to earn from exporting energy to the grid |
| Improves national energy security: | V2G can improve the national energy security of a country by reducing dependence on imported energy |
| Improve environmental impact: | V2G can improve the environmental impact of energy usage and transportation by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
Featured Articles
The All-Electric Citroën ë-C4 X Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Genesis GV70 SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Genesis GV60 SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Jeep Avenger SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreFeatured Products
-
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €3,155.95.€3,075.95Current price is: €3,075.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Battery Storage 6.4 kWh + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €6,115.95.€5,999.95Current price is: €5,999.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Bundle Offer: Sungrow Home Battery Storage (6.4 kWh) + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter (5 KW/ Single-Phase): price includes product only – Free delivery
Original price was: €4,549.95.€4,050.95Current price is: €4,050.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowCategory:Battery Storage -
Untethered Ohme Home EV Charger (7kW): price includes product only – free delivery
Original price was: €780.95.€685.95Current price is: €685.95. (Including VAT)Brand:OhmeCategory:EV Charging PointsCable:Untethered -
Custom-Made 1-Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 45m, 7.4 kW) – Made In Europe – Free Delivery
€219.95 – €645.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m3 m7 m8 m12 m18 m22 mCurrent (amp):32 ampPhase:Single Phase (7.4kW)
