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 .
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.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
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.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the EQ-E-MOTOR-60 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
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.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.