The Smart eDC 60 kW is a permanent — magnet synchronous electric motor developed jointly by Smart and Renault for the third — generation Smart EQ Fortwo and Forfour. It delivers 60 kW (82 PS) and 160 Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels through a single — speed reduction gearbox. This motor enables urban — focused EV performance with zero tailpipe emissions and is integrated with Smart’s modular electric drive platform.
Fitted exclusively to the Smart EQ Fortwo (W453) and For…
Smart
All production years (2017–2022) meet zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) classification under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and UK VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678.
The Smart eDC 60 kW is a 60 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor engineered for compact urban EVs (2017–2022). It combines a single-speed reduction gearbox with regenerative braking to deliver responsive low-speed performance and efficient energy recovery. Designed to meet zero-emission standards under EU and UK regulations, it prioritizes simplicity and serviceability in city driving.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | N/A (electric motor) | |
Fuel type | Electric (battery-powered) | |
Configuration | Permanent-magnet synchronous motor, rear-mounted | |
Aspiration | N/A | |
Bore × stroke | N/A | |
Power output | 60 kW (82 PS) | |
Torque | 160 Nm (constant from 0 rpm) | |
Fuel system | 400 V lithium-ion traction battery (17.6 kWh usable) | |
Emissions standard | Zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) | |
Compression ratio | N/A | |
Cooling system | Liquid-cooled (separate circuits for motor and inverter) | |
Turbocharger | N/A | |
Timing system | N/A | |
Oil type | Gear oil: Castrol Syntrax Long Life 75W-90 (for reduction gearbox) | |
Dry weight | 45 kg (motor only) |
The Smart eDC 60 kW was used across Smart's W453/HA453 platforms with rear-mounted longitudinal motor mounting and co-developed with Renault. This motor received platform-specific adaptations—shorter half-shafts in the Fortwo and revised suspension geometry in the Forfour—and from 2020 the updated inverter cooling circuit, creating minor service part distinctions. The powertrain shares core components with the Renault Zoe R110 motor architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The eDC 60 kW's primary reliability risk is inverter thermal derating under high ambient temperatures, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for ride-hailing or frequent DC fast charging. Smart internal field data from 2020 indicated a measurable rate of inverter performance degradation in southern European markets, while UK DVSA records show minimal MOT failures due to the absence of emissions hardware. Sustained high-load cycles without adequate cooldown make coolant system integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Smart technical bulletins (2019–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The eDC 60 kW is generally robust due to its simple architecture, but early models (2017–2019) had inverter cooling limitations under high heat. Post-2020 revisions improved thermal management. With proper coolant maintenance and gearbox oil changes, it can exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Key issues include inverter thermal derating (especially pre-2020), reduction gearbox whine from old oil, 12V battery drain due to software bugs, and charging port latch failures. All are documented in Smart service bulletins STB-EM-2019-04 and SIB EM-2020-02.
Exclusively the Smart EQ Fortwo (W453) and Forfour (HA453) from 2017 to 2022. Both are rebadged Renault Zoe-based EVs with rear-wheel drive. No other Smart or Mercedes models use this exact motor variant.
No. The motor and inverter are locked to 60 kW by Smart/MBUX firmware. Unlike combustion engines, EV tuning requires inverter remapping and cooling upgrades, which void type approval and are unsupported by OEM documentation.
Official WLTP range is 159 km (99 miles). Real-world efficiency is ~14.5 kWh/100 km (city) and ~16.2 kWh/100 km (mixed). Expect 120–140 km in temperate climates, less in winter due to cabin heating load on the 17.6 kWh battery.
Not applicable—electric motors have no valves or timing components. However, mechanical seizure from gearbox failure or bearing wear can still immobilize the drivetrain, though catastrophic internal damage is rare.
The reduction gearbox requires Castrol Syntrax Long Life 75W-90 (or equivalent meeting MB 235.10 spec). Change every 80,000 km or 5 years. The motor and inverter use separate coolant (Glysantin G48), not oil.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with SMART or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
SMART Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialSMART documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.