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.
