Tim Waite drives a smart #1 Launch Edition 62kWh 2023.

This is Tim’s second electric car, he’s owned the smart #1 from new and drives 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 1,000-5,000 miles and he achieves 220 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the smart #1?

Like Garry Croft (see his Owner Review here), I’ve wanted this car ever since I first saw the concept, although I went for the Launch Edition. Also, like Garry, at my age it’s going to be my last car so I bought it outright. It’s funny because some reviews said this car would appeal mostly to young people, being so techy!

It has everything: Matrix LED headlights, 360 cameras, flush door handles, puddle lights, electric tailgate, 1,600kg towing capacity, 13 speaker stereo, 12.5in infotainment screen, driver’s display, heads up display, full panoramic glass roof with electric blind, heat pump, 150kW DC charging, 22kW onboard AC charger, 19” alloy wheels, dog mode, onboard cooler and much more.

Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car

• It’s comfortable to drive with all the creature comforts
• just the right size: generous seating for 5 in a medium size car
• has a very impressive 5-star NCAP rating
• packed with driver & safety aids
• a good range for the 62kWh battery
• will seat 5 and has two ISOFIX in the rear and one on the front passenger seat
• last month we had a software update which, curiously, allowed us to have a heated steering wheel. My wife is delighted!

Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car

• I like almost everything about this car but some people will find the cargo area too small and the ride a little firm
• the charging port should have a small access light for plugging in at night
• some of the software is awaiting updates too.

Compared to when you first bought the car, does your battery still charge at the same rate & do you still get the same range?

Only had the car a few weeks.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

I got the car in November and it didn’t have Android Auto. It has since been updated with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Still waiting for car mats though!

What are the standout technological features of the car?

My first reaction was that there was too much tech but it’s a learning curve – there are so many settings! It has a driver’s display, heads up display, auto parking (though have not dared to try it yet), Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, full matrix LED headlights, blind spot warning, a rear wiper, indicator stalk, drive select stalk, 22kW onboard AC charger etc.

Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car

• Cooler in the centre arm rest, yet to be tested though!
• storage under the centre console
• a very small froot but at least it has one – mine stores the car charging cable and first aid kit
• rear seats can be moved forwards for extra boot space (enough for two medium/large sized dogs) as well as the usual split seat and ski hatch.

What’s the biggest or funniest myth you’ve heard about EVs?

Fire hazard and short battery life.

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

Like Garry, this is my last car – I hope we both last another 20 years!!

Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements

Chargemaster 11kW –  plug it in daily to charge up to 90% (recommended). This is done during cheap night rate period (Octopus Flux) currently at 18p/kWh. It should be cheaper in the summer when hopefully, we will use our solar panels more.

Please outline both positive & negative elements of your electricity supplier & tariff

Octopus Go – I have moved my electricity supply from Octopus Flux to to get 4 hours each night at 9p/kWh. Not quite as good as Intelligent Go but I don’t have a smart EV charger.

Do you use public charging networks?

No

Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements

My existing insurer LV= did not want to insure the car at all! Several others struggled because it is a new model but I eventually used Mercedes-Benz Insurance who gave me a reasonable deal with good benefits.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a smart #1

Too early to say but a 90% charge would currently cost less than £11 and the range shown for that is 190 miles, it’s 5.8p per mile in early winter. Insurance is more expensive for me but maybe that is the new model problem. No road fund tax or servicing costs for a few years either.

See other Owner Reviews here