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…
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 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.
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.
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The e-Motor 60 is generally robust due to its simple architecture, but early 2018–2019 units had inverter capacitor issues. Post-2020 revisions improved thermal resilience. With correct gearbox oil changes and avoidance of excessive DC fast charging in heat, the motor can last well beyond 150,000 km.
Main issues include inverter capacitor degradation (pre-2020), gearbox whine from incorrect oil, regenerative braking glitches, and coolant leaks at the motor-inverter interface. These are documented in Smart SIBs EL‑04 19 and TR‑07 20.
The e-Motor 60 powers all Smart EQ Fortwo (W453) and Forfour (HA3) models from 2018 to 2024. It’s also used in the Renault Twingo Z.E. (2020–2023) under the Daimler-Renault partnership, with identical hardware but different software tuning.
No. The e-Motor 60 is hardware-limited to 60 kW continuous output. Unlike combustion engines, EV motors cannot be safely remapped without risking inverter or battery damage. The higher-output e-Motor 80 (115 PS) is a separate hardware variant and not a software upgrade.
Excellent for city use. The Smart EQ Fortwo achieves ~14.5 kWh/100 km combined (WLTP), equivalent to ~160 mpg-e. Real-world figures range from 13–16 kWh/100 km depending on climate and driving style. The 17.6 kWh battery delivers 80–100 km real-world range.
Not applicable—it’s an electric motor with no pistons, valves, or timing system. There is no risk of mechanical interference failure. However, inverter or gearbox faults can still immobilize the vehicle.
The reduction gearbox requires Renault Type DFE (75W‑90) gear oil, changed every 60,000 km or 4 years. Using standard GL-4/GL-5 oil may cause noise and premature wear. The motor and inverter use a separate G48 coolant circuit, not oil.
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