Any similarities between this car and the Smart Fortwo are entirely co-incidental, according to its makers, Shuanghuan Auto.
Asked about the similarities, a spokesman said: "It is our own design, from our own design studio."
See the Shuanghuan Auto car in detail
The Chinese car maker has been making a petrol powered version of the car for some time, offering it to buyers with a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine or four-cylinder 1.1-litre engine.
However, it has launched an electric version of the car this year, which it is selling in California only at present. It cannot be sold in China because it doesn't have government type approval.
The spokesman added that sales could be expanded into Europe in future, "depending on government policies towards electric cars."
There are two electric models: one with a 155 mile range and top speed of 50mph, and one with a 124 mile range and 62mph top speed.
Prices start at around £10,000, and the company claims to have sold 800 cars through its US partner Wheego in California so far.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: ...and this isn't a Smart
That is pretty blatant copying, I have to admit. I saw one report suggesting Mercedes is pursuing legal action against them, but it was from 2007 so I don't know if anything has come of it. Apparently a Greek court ruled against them in 2009, but I doubt that will be the end of the story somehow...
Re: ...and this isn't a Smart
yet another Chinese rip-off of someone else's design and intellectual property... speaks volumes for the Chinese
Re: ...and this isn't a Smart
Exactly they are doing themselves no favours. If that isn't a ForTwo copy with a lil design alteration then I'm not a human.