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 Fo…
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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 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'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.
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Generally yes. The e-Motor 82 has few moving parts and strong urban reliability. Early models (2018–2021) had inverter capacitor issues under heavy fast charging, resolved via firmware updates. With proper thermal management and avoiding excessive DC charging, most units exceed 150,000 km without major issues.
The main issues are inverter capacitor drift (causing power loss), reduction gearbox oil leaks, coolant airlocks, and occasional rotor position sensor faults. These are documented in Smart service bulletins EV-04-2021 and EV-02-2020. No timing or exhaust-related failures exist due to the electric design.
The e-Motor 82 powers all Smart EQ Fortwo (453) and Forfour (453) models from 2018 to 2024 with 60 kW (82 PS) output. It was co-developed under the Daimler–Renault alliance and shares architecture with Renault Zoe R110 components, though not directly interchangeable.
Not practically. The motor is electronically limited by the inverter and battery management system. While some third parties claim software tweaks, Smart does not support or certify power increases. Overloading risks inverter or battery damage and voids warranty coverage.
Very efficient. In a Smart EQ Fortwo, typical consumption is ~13.5 kWh/100km (city) and ~11.0 kWh/100km (highway), or about 4.5–5.0 mi/kWh. Real-world range is 120–140 km in mixed conditions. Smaller mass and low rolling resistance tyres contribute to its urban efficiency.
Not applicable. As an electric motor, it has no pistons, valves, or timing system. There is no risk of mechanical interference failure. However, rotor-stator contact can occur only in catastrophic bearing failure—extremely rare in service.
Only the reduction gearbox requires oil: Castrol Syntrax Long Life 75W-90 or equivalent meeting Smart specification. The motor and inverter are sealed and use separate coolant. Gearbox oil is filled for life but should be inspected if leaks appear or during major service.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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