How does it compare?
The Roewe Clever makes quite a compelling case in the ever-competitive hatchback EV market. Designed as an urban assassin, it squares off against contenders like the Citreon C-Zero, Renault Twizy, and Smart EQ Fortwo.
Range
The Roewe Clever offers a commendable range of 260 km (161 miles) on a single charge, which is particularly admirable for city driving. In comparison, the Citreon C-Zero lags with merely 150 km (93 miles) while the Renault Twizy can barely itch out 100 km (62 miles) of range. The Smart EQ Fortwo falls somewhere in the middle with an estimated range of 159 km (99 miles). Thus, the Roewe Clever certainly leaps ahead in this department, making it less anchor-bound to charging stations.
Acceleration
Well, nobody ever bought these pint-sized hatchbacks for blistering acceleration, but for the sake of comparison, the Smart EQ Fortwo sprints a tad quicker, doing naught to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 11.6 seconds. Information on the Roewe Clever remains elusive here, but the Renault Twizy clocks in at a more leisurely 12.4 seconds to reach 45 km/h (28 mph). The Citreon C-Zero, on the other hand, takes around 15.9 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph). Essentially, youre buying these to navigate urban mazes rather than break any speed records.
Power
In terms of sheer horsepower, the Roewe Clever churns out a modest 50 hp. It outguns the ultra-compact Renault Twizy which has a mere 17 hp, but it cant quite match the Smart EQ Fortwo, which delivers a healthier 80 hp. The Citreon C-Zero stands at 66 hp, offering some middle ground. Yet, with 50 hp tailored for its dimensions, the Clever stands efficient and optimized for its intended environment.
Charging Time
Now, to leave no one in the lurch, the Roewe Clever boasts a 27 kWh battery that can be juiced up to 80% in about 40 minutes with a fast charger. The Smart EQ Fortwo offers similar fast charging capabilities, needing around 40 minutes to reach 80% capacity, while the Citreon C-Zero takes about 30 minutes for the same feat. The Renault Twizy, being the odd bird here, lacks any form of fast charging and takes around 3.5 hours to reach 100% on a regular charger.
Price
If your pocketbook is vying for attention, the Roewe Clever screams value at approximately $8,600 (£6,350/€7,490). Here, it triumphs over the pricier Smart EQ Fortwo, which fetches close to $24,550 (£18,150/€21,550). The Citreon C-Zero hovers around $18,000 (£13,300/€15,800), and the Renault Twizy starts around $12,500 (£9,250/€11,000). Essentially, the Clevers no-nonsense pricing makes it a tantalizing proposition for thrifty spenders seeking electric charm without the financial sting.

