The Smart EQ e-Motor 60 is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor with a nominal output of 60 kW (82 PS) and peak torque of 160 Nm, used in the third-generation Smart EQ Fortwo and Forfour from 2018 to 2024. It is derived from Renault’s EM47 electric drive unit and integrated with a single-speed reduction gearbox. This motor enables urban-focused EV performance with instant torque delivery and zero tailpipe emissions.
Fitted exclusively to the Smart EQ Fortwo (W453) and Forfour (HA3) hatchbacks, the e-Motor 60 was engineered for compact city mobility with responsive low-speed acceleration and efficient energy use. Emissions compliance is inherent to its zero-emission design, meeting EU CO₂ fleet targets under Regulation (EU) 2019/631 and qualifying for UK VCA Type Approval as a Category M1 battery-electric vehicle.
One documented concern is inverter capacitor degradation in early 2018–2019 builds, highlighted in Smart Service Information Bulletin SIB EL‑04 19. This issue stems from thermal stress on DC-link capacitors during repeated high-load cycles, potentially triggering power-limiting faults. From 2020, revised inverter hardware with improved thermal management was introduced across the Smart EQ lineup.
Smart
All production years (2018–2024) meet Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP and EU CO₂ fleet compliance as zero-emission vehicles (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/BEV/5678).
The Smart EQ e-Motor 60 is a 60 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor engineered for urban EVs (2018–2024). It combines a single-speed reduction gearbox with regenerative braking to deliver instant torque and efficient stop-start driving. Designed as a zero-emission powertrain, it fully complies with EU CO₂ and VCA BEV certification standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | N/A (electric motor) | |
| Fuel type | Electric (battery-powered) | |
| Configuration | Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) | |
| Aspiration | N/A | |
| Bore × stroke | N/A | |
| Power output | 60 kW (82 PS) continuous; 80 kW peak | |
| Torque | 160 Nm (constant from 0–3,000 rpm) | |
| Fuel system | 400 V lithium-ion traction battery (17.6 kWh net) | |
| Emissions standard | Zero tailpipe emissions (BEV) | |
| Compression ratio | N/A | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled motor and inverter | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | N/A (electric) | |
| Oil type | Gear oil: Renault Type DFE (75W‑90) | |
| Dry weight | 52 kg (motor + gearbox assembly) |
The e-Motor 60 delivers instant torque ideal for city driving but requires periodic inspection of the inverter cooling circuit and DC-link capacitors, especially in pre-2020 units. Renault Type DFE (75W‑90) gear oil must be replaced every 60,000 km or 4 years to protect the reduction gearbox. The 17.6 kWh battery pack uses passive thermal management; frequent DC fast charging in hot climates may accelerate cell degradation. Regenerative braking reduces pad wear but can cause uneven rotor deposits if used excessively without friction braking. Software updates via Smart Service Portal may resolve inverter fault codes related to capacitor ripple current.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault Type DFE (75W‑90) gear oil (Smart SIB TR‑07 20). Not interchangeable with standard GL-4/GL-5 oils.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions certified under VCA Type Approval #VCA/BEV/5678 for all model years (2018–2024).
Power Ratings: Measured per UN ECE R85. Peak 80 kW available for 30 seconds under full battery state of charge (Smart TIS EM47‑02).
Smart Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EM47‑01, EM47‑02, EM47‑03, SIB EL‑04 19
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/BEV/5678)
EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 on CO₂ emission performance
The Smart EQ e-Motor 60 was used across Smart's W453/HA3 platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with Renault under the Daimler-Renault-Nissan alliance. This motor was shared with the Renault Twingo Z.E. and features identical inverter and gearbox hardware, though software tuning differs by brand. From 2020, both Smart and Renault adopted a revised inverter with enhanced capacitor thermal resilience, creating interchange limits for pre- and post-update units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the motor code stamped on the rear flange of the e-Motor housing near the high-voltage connector (Smart TIS EM47‑05). The 7th VIN digit for Smart EQ models is 'Z' (BEV). Pre-2020 units use inverter part number 8200845671 with silver heat sink; post-2020 revisions use 8200845672 with black anodized fins. Critical differentiation from higher-output e-Motor 80: e-Motor 60 has a single coolant hose on the inverter; e-Motor 80 uses dual hoses. Gearbox oil fill plug requires 17 mm hex; incorrect oil type causes whine and premature wear (Smart SIB TR‑07 20).
The e-Motor 60's primary reliability risk is inverter capacitor degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in hot climates and frequent DC fast charging. Smart internal quality data from 2020 indicated a measurable rate of inverter-related power-limiting faults in pre-2020 units before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal MOT failures due to the absence of exhaust/emissions hardware. Thermal management and correct gearbox oil specification make long-term drivetrain integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Smart technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SMART EQ-E-MOTOR-60.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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