Smart #3 Electric Coupe-SUV Successfully Crosses Gobi Desert with Modifications
When you think of a vehicle suitable for crossing a vast desert, an electric coupe-SUV like the smart #3 may not be the first car that comes to mind. However, with some fitting modifications and a lot of courage, the smart #3 electric vehicle (EV) managed to conquer the challenging terrain of the Gobi desert in China, as claimed by its parent company Geely.
Modifications for Desert Performance
Geely recently shared photos of the modified smart #3 EV on social media, showcasing the enhancements made for its desert adventure. The most notable upgrade is the installation of 18-inch all-terrain (A/T) tires wrapped around white off-road steel wheels. These tires provide the necessary traction on the dunes, and the EV also received a new suspension system to enhance its resilience on difficult terrain.
In addition to the performance upgrades, practicality was improved with the addition of a roof rack and special mounts for camera equipment. The vehicle also features “Speedsters” decals on its white bodywork, paying homage to a Chinese YouTube Channel responsible for the off-road build. Furthermore, blue and teal graphics enhance its rally-spec appearance, along with special stickers celebrating smart’s 25th anniversary on the profile.
Powertrain and Range
The smart #3 is available with both single and dual electric motors, with power outputs ranging from 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) to 422 hp (315 kW / 428 PS) in the Brabus version. Although the AWD version may seem more suitable for off-road adventures, the pictured model does not feature the Brabus-specific styling cues, indicating that it is likely the RWD model.
With regards to range, it is unclear if the EV crossed the entire length of the Gobi desert, which spans approximately 1,500 km (930 miles). Considering the maximum WLTP range of the RWD version is 440 km (270 miles) thanks to its 66 kWh battery pack, it is likely that the smart #3 made at least a couple of recharging stops during its desert journey.
The Gobi Desert and Future Updates
The Gobi desert covers a massive area of 1.295 million km² (500,000 square miles) across China and Mongolia, featuring diverse landscapes ranging from dunes and mountains to deep ice fields. The smart #3’s adventure in this challenging environment is expected to be documented in a YouTube video by the Speedsters channel. More details and footage of the crossing are anticipated to be released by Speedsters or the automaker in the near future.