Tune the smart EQ to 95 PS and > 140 km/h or simply make it regenerate more

With the support of smart eMotion, Steinbauer developed a tuningkit for the smart EQ. I have been using the finished product since two weeks now and of course I would like to tell you how it handles.
Anyone who knows the 4th generation smart electric drive, knows that this little city runabout has already an incredible acceleration coming from the factory. Between 0 - 50 km/h, it's faster than almost everything that everyday life has to offer. And that despite the fact that it's performance is always limited. The built-in electric motor from Renault can achieve up to 81 kW, but is limited to 60 kW in the smart (68 kW for Brabus).

There are two versions of the tuning kit:
• More regenerative breaking & a boost to 95 PS (752,06 €; excl. vat)
• More regenerative breaking (541,97 €; excl. vat)

The tuningkit is exclusivly beeing sold through smart eMotion and it's shop.

The tuning company promises 10 % more power, torque, more regenerative breaking and even a higher top speed. Enough reasons to try the big 95 PS kit out and test how the little rocket is performing with the upgrade. For that purpose I build it in my 100,000 km old smart EQ.

It is particularly pleasant that the kit can be installed non-destructively and without tools in 30 minutes. It can also be easily removed and everything can be restored to its original state, as no cables have to be cut or control units reprogrammed.

Tune the smart EQ to 95 PS and > 140 km/h or simply make it regenerate more

Here's the installation guide: IG_Smart_EQ_EN.pdf

It does a bit, yes.

Correct, the actual power from 0-50 km/h is about the same. But the smart responses way more direct / harder to your input, so it's still harder from 0 km/h on.

According to the German Accumotive, the battery is rated for up to 76 kWh, as seen in the link you've mentioned. Why they still limited the motor to 60 kW, I'm not completly sure. Back when I wrote about the motor, I thought it's the battery. But as Brabus themself started offering smart cars with this performance (but for 40.-60.000 €), they proofed that everything is fine. Technically Brabus cars have the same power train as a regular smart. Only difference is, that they got the higher Brabus software.

Quote from King_Ikaika9

Hi Moritz could you say whether or not the Performance tune would void the main drive battery warranty for the 453 ED in any way?

It would void the warranty, if it's being found.

Quote from King_Ikaika9

and can therefore be removed, what I am lead to believe, without a trace;

That's correct. There are no errors or anything stored in the car, when the tune was applied at any time. If it can't be found in the car, they can't tell if it was in the car at any time.

Quote from King_Ikaika9

In other words the operation of the regenerative braking I'm used to now doesn't change just the intensity of the resistance, I imagine, especially when I let off the accelerator entirely?

yes.

Quote from King_Ikaika9

and then another change is that it will actually come to a complete stop without a need for the brake pedal?

No, it won't.

Quote from King_Ikaika9

The only damage concerns I can perceive is from chronic hard acceleration, especially from a standstill, by way of stressing the gearbox and drive axles, is that pretty much it?

I'd say so, yes.

Quote from King_Ikaika9

Moritz, could you say why the tune is chosen to cap at 70kw and not go closer to the max power potential of the motor? Would it be possible to modify the tune to a higher power? Say up to 80kw?

Because the software of the car starts outputting errors if you ask it for more than the kit does. The kit does as much as possible, without modifying the car's software at all.

The shop is updating you as there are any updates. Usually it takes 2-3 weeks until it's at your doorstep. Right now it's being produced, so that's why you haven't got a tracking number yet.

I've just emailed the manufacturer.

Will be shipped next week.

As soon as it's on its way, of course.