By comparison, the electric versions of the #5 offer between 335bhp in single-motor and 416bhp in dual-motor guises – the former running a 400V and latter an 800V electric architecture. They are coupled with 76kW lithium-iron-phosphate and 100kWh lithium ion batteries with ranges of between 354 and 460 miles on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).
A similar plug-in hybrid drivetrain is also offered in the Zeekr 7X – a model already confirmed for sale in selected European markets in 2025.
While details of Smart’s plans for sales of a plug-in hybrid #5 in the UK have yet to be revealed, the indications are that it is being readied for launch in 2026. Electric versions of the new SUV model are set to go on sale in European markets, including the UK, in mid-2025.
Geely’s and Mercedes-Benz’s decision to step back from original plans to make Smart models purely electric comes after Geely’s Lotus brand announced it would also abandon its strategy of electric-only models.
Speaking at the Guangzhou motor show last November, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng said the British-based car maker would introduce models featuring so-called ‘Super Hybrid’ technology with turbocharged combustion engines, electric motors and ultra-fast charging to extend their overall range to up to 680 miles.
Lotus has yet to divulge which models are planned to receive petrol-electric power, though it is anticipated that both the Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon will receive hybrid drivetrains as part of plans to broaden their reach in key markets such as China, the US and the UK.
Another Lotus model expected to feature hybrid power is the company’s upcoming Porsche Macan-rivalling SUV, currently under development and due to be previewed in 2025.
“At Lotus, we have always chosen the best power technology available, whether it’s pure gasoline, pure electric, hybrid or range-extended [EV],” Feng told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.
Feng’s specific reference to range-extended technology suggests Lotus could be looking beyond conventional hybrids in favour of a new range-extender set-up in which the combustion engine acts purely as a generator to produce electricity, rather than providing direct drive to the wheels.
Meanwhile, Geely-owned brand Zeekr has confirmed it plans to launch three plug-in hybrid models in 2025, including a new range-topping SUV model, in a move that will see it diversify from its original plans of offering pure-electric models only.