Smart #1 Running Costs UK 2026
Pro+
Last updated: June 2026
Cost per mile
8.0p
home 28p/kWh
Annual (10k mi)
£983
80% home
Real-world range
215 mi
WLTP: 273 mi
Peak DC charge
150kW
CCS
The Smart #1 is not the Smart ForTwo. The brand, now owned jointly by Mercedes-Benz and Geely, repositioned itself as a premium compact SUV brand targeting exactly the buyer who would previously have bought a Mini or a SEAT Arona and wanted something more distinctive. Solid build quality, decent range, and genuinely premium fit-and-finish at a price below the German premium brands.
Running costs: Smart #1
3.5 miles per kWh gives a home charging cost of 8p per mile on a standard tariff. Against a Mini Cooper S petrol (approximately 38 MPG, 17.2p per mile) the Smart #1 saves around £920 per year at 10,000 miles. The £12,000 purchase premium over a comparable petrol Mini means break-even at standard charging takes around 13 years — which is the honest challenge for premium compact EVs.
| Annual mileage | 100% home (28p) | 80% home / 20% public | 50/50 split |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 miles | £640 | £786 | £1006 |
| 10,000 miles | £800 | £983 | £1257 |
| 12,000 miles | £960 | £1179 | £1509 |
| 15,000 miles | £1200 | £1474 | £1886 |
| 20,000 miles | £1600 | £1966 | £2514 |
Public charging rate: 60p/kWh. Costs calculated on real-world efficiency of 3.5 mi/kWh.
Charging
150kW peak DC charging. A 10–80% charge takes around 30 minutes. AC home charging at 22kW is supported — rare in this class — though most UK homes are limited to 7.4kW single-phase.
Battery capacity
66 kWh
Peak DC charge
150kW
Charge port
CCS (DC) / Type 2 (AC)
Efficiency
3.5 mi/kWh
Key fact
The Smart #1 supports 22kW AC charging, allowing a full charge from flat in under 4 hours — useful in locations with fast AC charging but no DC rapid charger.
Who is the #1 best suited for?
Best for
- ✓Premium small SUV buyers considering Mini or SEAT/Cupra alternatives
- ✓Those wanting a distinctive design without the German premium price
- ✓Urban commuters who occasionally need motorway capability
Less ideal for
- !Value-priority buyers (the MG4 or BYD Dolphin provide similar efficiency at significantly lower prices)
- !Those wanting seven seats or large boot space
- !Anyone primarily evaluating on break-even time
Compare against your current car
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the Smart #1 cost per mile in the UK?
At a standard home tariff of 28p/kWh, the Smart #1 costs approximately 8.0p per mile. On an overnight EV tariff at 7p/kWh, this drops to 2.0p per mile.
What is the real-world range of the Smart #1?
The Smart #1 has a real-world range of approximately 215 miles in typical UK mixed driving conditions. The official WLTP figure is 273 miles, which is measured under standardised test conditions and is typically higher than real-world performance.
How fast does the Smart #1 charge?
The Smart #1 supports up to 150kW DC fast charging via CCS (DC) / Type 2 (AC). AC home charging is also supported. The charge time from 10–80% varies depending on the available charger speed.
How much does it cost to run a Smart #1 per year in the UK?
At 10,000 miles per year and 80% home charging (28p/kWh) with 20% public charging (60p/kWh), the Smart #1 costs approximately £983 per year in electricity.