Volvo EX30 vs Smart #1

The Volvo EX30 and the Smart #1 are both small electric SUVs positioned in the subcompact crossover segment. The EX30 is built by Volvo Cars, a brand owned by Geely, and is Volvo’s smallest electric vehicle to date. The Smart #1 is produced by Smart Automobile, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, and represents the brand’s full pivot away from its original city car identity toward a larger crossover format. Both vehicles share the same parent ownership group through Geely’s holdings, though they are developed and sold as entirely separate products. Both target urban buyers and younger first-time EV owners who want a compact, design-forward electric SUV without moving into mid-size pricing territory.

The Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range is rated at up to 298 miles on the WLTP cycle, with the Twin Motor AWD version sitting around 265 miles. The Smart #1 Pro+ reaches up to 273 miles on the WLTP cycle, with the Brabus performance variant rated slightly lower at around 256 miles. The EX30 holds a range advantage on its single motor configuration. On charging, the EX30 supports up to 153 kW DC fast charging, and the Smart #1 supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging. The two vehicles are nearly identical on charging speed, and neither carries a meaningful advantage in that area. Both can charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 25 to 30 minutes on compatible hardware.

The Volvo EX30 starts at around €36,000 in Europe and approximately $34,950 in the United States, positioning it as one of the more affordable entries in Volvo’s electric lineup. The Smart #1 starts at around €37,900 in Europe for the Pro trim. Smart does not currently sell the #1 in the United States, which limits its availability to Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and select Asian markets. The EX30 has broader global reach, including North America, where the Smart #1 is absent. This page helps buyers in markets where both vehicles are sold — primarily Europe and Australia — decide between two small electric SUVs that sit close on price and charging speed but differ in brand positioning, interior approach, and available markets.

Volvo’s other electric vehicles include the EX40, EC40, EX90, and the EM90 electric MPV, with the EX30 sitting as the entry point to the brand’s EV range. Smart’s current electric lineup alongside the #1 includes the Smart #3, a fastback crossover on a stretched version of the same platform targeting buyers who want more cargo space and a sportier roofline. Outside these two brands, the primary rivals in this segment are the Mini Aceman Electric, which competes on design appeal and urban practicality, and the BYD Atto 3, which undercuts both on price in several markets while offering competitive range figures.

The Volvo EX30’s three main strengths are its longer range on the single motor configuration compared to the Smart #1, its availability across both European and North American markets, and its Volvo safety reputation which includes a full suite of driver assistance features as standard across trims. Its two weaknesses are its interior storage, which is more limited than expected for the segment due to the absence of a traditional glovebox, and its infotainment system, which consolidates most controls into a single central screen in a way that some buyers find takes adjustment. The Smart #1’s three main strengths are its rear seat space, which is generous relative to its exterior dimensions and compares well against the EX30, its Brabus performance variant that offers 428 horsepower for buyers who want a performance option within the small SUV format, and its build quality and interior material feel, which reflects its Mercedes-Benz joint venture origins. Its two weaknesses are its limited market availability, with no presence in North America, and its brand recognition outside Europe, where Smart’s transition from city car to crossover is still establishing itself with a new buyer base.

Quick Verdict: These two vehicles are close enough in price, range, and charging speed that the decision comes down to specifics rather than a clear category winner. The EX30 is the stronger choice for buyers outside Europe who need North American availability, and for those who prioritize maximum range from a single motor setup. The Smart #1 is worth considering for buyers in Europe who want more rear passenger space and have interest in the Brabus performance trim. Both share Geely’s platform heritage, which narrows the gap further, but they are sold through different dealer networks with different after-sales experiences depending on the market.

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