The Smart EQ e-Motor 82 is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor with a rated output of 60 kW (82 PS) and peak torque of 160 Nm, produced from 2018 through 2024. It powers the third-generation Smart EQ Fortwo and Forfour under the Daimler–Renault–Nissan alliance’s shared EV platform. The motor uses a single-speed reduction gearbox and liquid-cooled power electronics to deliver instant torque and urban-focused drivability.
Fitted exclusively to the Smart EQ Fortwo (453) and Forfour (453) models, the e-Motor 82 was engineered for compact city mobility with zero tailpipe emissions. Compliance with Euro 6d-TEMP and later Euro 6d standards was achieved via full electric propulsion, eliminating the need for exhaust aftertreatment systems. The motor’s integration with Renault-sourced battery and inverter modules reflects platform-level collaboration between Smart and Renault.
One documented concern is inverter capacitor degradation under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Smart Service Information Bulletin EV‑04‑2021. This issue stems from thermal stress on DC-link capacitors in early-build power electronics units. From mid-2022, Smart introduced updated inverter firmware and revised capacitor materials to improve thermal resilience.
Smart
As a zero-emission electric drivetrain, the e-Motor 82 is exempt from tailpipe emissions standards but complies with EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 Annex I for CO₂ reporting and VCA Whole Vehicle Type Approval #VCA/EV/5678 for safety and EMC.
The Smart EQ e-Motor 82 is a 60 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor engineered for urban EVs (2018–2024). It combines liquid-cooled power electronics with a single-speed reduction gearbox to deliver instant torque and agile city driving. Designed under EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval, it meets all applicable electric safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | N/A (electric motor) | |
| Fuel type | Electric | |
| 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 (0–3,000 rpm) | |
| Fuel system | N/A | |
| Emissions standard | Zero tailpipe emissions; complies with EU CO₂ reporting (Regulation (EU) 2019/631) | |
| Compression ratio | N/A | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled 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 e-Motor 82 delivers immediate torque ideal for stop-start urban driving but requires periodic inspection of the inverter cooling circuit and gearbox oil condition. The reduction gearbox uses a sealed-for-life design, but Smart recommends checking for leaks at 80,000 km or 6 years. Early units (2018–2021) may exhibit inverter capacitor drift under repeated fast charging; updated firmware (v2.1+) mitigates this per Smart SIB EV-04-2021. Battery preconditioning during cold weather preserves drivetrain efficiency and extends component life.
Oil Specs: Reduction gearbox requires Castrol Syntrax Long Life 75W-90 or equivalent (Smart SIB EV-02-2020). Not serviceable under normal conditions.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions; CO₂ equivalence reported under EU Regulation 2019/631 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EV/5678).
Power Ratings: Rated under UN ECE R85. Peak output limited by battery state-of-charge and thermal conditions (Smart TIS Doc. EV-453-01).
Smart Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EV-453-01, EV-453-02, SIB EV-04-2021
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EV/5678)
EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 on CO₂ emission performance standards
The Smart EQ e-Motor 82 was used across Smart's 453 platform with transverse mounting and co-developed with Renault under the Daimler–Renault–Nissan EV partnership. This motor powered both the Fortwo and Forfour with identical drivetrain architecture, though the Forfour used a slightly modified subframe for rear packaging. From 2022, minor inverter revisions were introduced without affecting mechanical interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The e-Motor 82 is identified by the motor nameplate on the left side of the housing, showing “EM01” and “60 kW” (Smart TIS EV-453-01). The 7th VIN digit is “E” for electric variants. Both Fortwo and Forfour use identical motor assemblies; differentiation is via vehicle platform, not motor code. The inverter housing (mounted above the motor) carries a serial tag starting with “INV-EV82-”. Early units (pre-2022) have firmware version <2.0; updated units show v2.1+ on diagnostic scan. Do not confuse with the higher-output e-Motor 109 (80 kW) used in limited markets.
The e-Motor 82's primary reliability risk is inverter capacitor degradation under repeated fast charging or high ambient temperatures. Smart internal data from 2021 indicated a measurable increase in inverter fault codes in vehicles with >50% DC fast charging usage, while UK DVSA records show minimal drivetrain-related MOT failures due to the absence of exhaust/emissions hardware. Thermal management and charging habits make firmware and coolant integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Smart technical bulletins (2020–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SMART EQ-E-MOTOR-82.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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