Smart #2 gets Tridion Cell Evo safety cell ahead of Paris Motor Show reveal
Smart Europe has detailed the safety structure and electric platform underpinning its upcoming ultra-compact two-seater, including a preliminary 290km WLTP range target and 20-minute rapid charging, ahead of the car's world premiere in Paris on 12 October 2026.
Smart Europe has released technical and safety details of the smart #2 ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on 12 October 2026, confirming the city car will use a new generation of its Tridion safety cell, called Tridion Cell Evo, as part of its body structure.
According to smart, more than 78% of the body structure is made from high-strength steel, including a three-layer steel configuration with materials of up to 1,800 MPa tensile strength. The manufacturer cites torsional stiffness of 39,000 Nm/deg and a roof load capacity of more than four tonnes, though these are preliminary details pending completion of the EU homologation process.
Occupant protection includes seven airbags alongside an advanced seatbelt system combining Pyrotechnic Lap Pretension (PLP) and Crash Locking Tongue (CLT) technology, smart said.
The car's technical foundation is smart's new Electric Compact Architecture (ECA), a purpose-built all-electric platform designed specifically for its ultra-compact two-seater, with a body measuring less than three metres long.
Smart says the ECA platform houses a 35.8 kWh battery using CATL cells, targeting 290 km of combined WLTP range. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% is said to take less than 20 minutes at a 65-kW charger under optimal conditions. As with the safety figures, these numbers remain preliminary and subject to change; smart says it will publish official figures once EU homologation is complete.
Chassis details released alongside the platform specification include a curb-to-curb turning circle of 6.95 metres, a five-link independent rear suspension that smart claims is unique in its segment, rear-wheel drive, 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution and staggered-width tyres as standard.
Styling comes from the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team, continuing smart's 'wheels-at-the-corners' two-seater design signature.
Dr Tilo Schweers, Vice President R&D at smart Europe, said: "With the smart #2, our R&D team has focused on validating the Tridion Cell Evo and the ECA platform under real-world conditions, from city driving to extended testing on European roads and highways. This work ensures the vehicle's structure and setup for safety and agility are tuned specifically to European standards and driving conditions ahead of its market launch."
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