The Smart Car is known for its unique, compact design and impressive fuel efficiency. With gas prices fluctuating, many Smart Car owners wonder just how far they can expect to travel on a single tank of gas.
The Smart Car’s fuel tank capacity and gas mileage allow it to achieve an impressive range. Under optimal driving conditions, some owners report being able to drive over 400 miles before needing to refuel. However, the actual range will vary based on driving style, road conditions, speed, and other factors.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what owners can expect when it comes to the real-world range of the Smart Car. We’ll examine how different models and years compare, as well as the impact of driving style. We’ll also provide tips for maximizing your fuel mileage and range.
Fuel Tank Size
The first key factor in determining a Smart Car’s range is the size of its fuel tank. Here are the fuel tank capacities for different Smart Car models and years:
| Model Year | Fuel Tank Size |
|---|---|
| 2008-2015 | 8.7 gallons |
| 2016-2019 | 9.2 gallons |
| 2020-present | 9.4 gallons |
As you can see, fuel tank capacity has gradually increased over the years, starting at 8.7 gallons for first generation models up to 9.4 gallons for current third generation Smart Cars. The extra volume provides a bit more wiggle room.
Gas Mileage
The EPA estimated gas mileage is the other essential factor in figuring out the Smart Car’s range. Here are the EPA ratings for combined city/highway driving:
| Model Year | Gas Mileage (City/Highway/Combined) |
|---|---|
| 2008-2015 | 33/41/36 mpg |
| 2016-2019 | 36/39/37 mpg |
| 2020-present | 40/48/44 mpg |
Mileage has improved over time, from just 36 mpg combined initially to 44 mpg combined for the latest models. More efficient engines and transmissions account for these gains. Of course, real world mileage varies based on driving habits.
Range by Model Year
Combining the fuel tank size and gas mileage gives us the estimated range. Here is how far you can expect to go on a full tank with different model years:
| Model Year | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| 2008-2015 | 313 miles |
| 2016-2019 | 340 miles |
| 2020-present | 414 miles |
The earliest 2008-2015 Smart Cars deliver an estimated 313 miles on a full 8.7 gallon tank. The improved fuel economy of later models leads to as much as 414 miles for a 2020 or newer Smart with its 9.4 gallon capacity and 44 mpg rating.
Under perfect conditions, some hypermiling drivers report squeezing over 500 miles out of a single tank in the newer Smart Cars. However, that requires ideal weather and driving behavior.
Impact of Driving Style on Range
Your specific driving style and behavior has a major impact on how far your Smart Car will travel on a full tank. Aggressive acceleration, high speeds, excessive idling, and frequent stop-and-go traffic will reduce range. Maintaining even moderate speeds optimizes mileage.
You can maximize range by:
- Accelerating gently from a stop
- Maintaining steady speeds, ideally around 40-60mph
- Avoiding jackrabbit starts and sudden braking
- Using cruise control on highways
- Minimizing air conditioner use
Hypermilers use tricks like drafting behind trucks and coasting through stops to push max mileage. But even following the basic habits above will extend your Smart Car’s range versus aggressive driving. Adjusting your driving style can result in a dramatic difference.
Impact of Conditions on Range
Driving conditions also affect a Smart Car’s potential range, including:
- Weather – Cold winter weather can reduce range. The battery works harder and winter blend fuel contains less energy.
- Terrain – Hilly routes reduce range more than flat roads. Constant elevation changes require more battery usage.
- Speed – Higher sustained speeds drain range faster. The most efficient pace is around 40-60mph.
- Traffic – Stop and go traffic saps range. Consistent speeds optimize mileage.
- Tire Pressure – Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, reducing range.
By keeping these condition-related factors in mind, you can maximize your Smart Car’s range in varying circumstances. Adjusting your speed and driving more conservatively in hills or cold weather will help offset the impact.
Real-World Driver Experiences
While estimated ranges are useful guidelines, looking at actual drivers’ experiences provides real-world insights into how far a Smart Car can travel on one tank.
Here are some examples of reported ranges from Smart Car owner forums and discussions:
- 317 miles in a 2013 Smart with gentle driving
- 211 miles in a 2015 Smart with mixed highway/city driving
- 356 miles in a 2019 Smart on a road trip
- 403 miles in a 2021 Smart on the highway
As you can see from owner reports, around 300-400 miles is typical for a full tank depending on conditions and driving style. With efficient driving, some are able to meet or exceed the estimated ranges. Aggressive driving or urban stop-and-go traffic brings the lower results.
Tips to Maximize Your Smart Car’s Range
Here are some suggested tips to squeeze every last mile out of a tank in your Smart Car:
- Accelerate and brake gradually
- Maintain consistent moderate speeds
- Reduce air conditioner use
- Make sure tires are properly inflated
- Travel light and remove excess weight
- Plan routes with minimal hills or elevation changes
- Get regular maintenance like oil changes and tune ups
- Avoid excessive idling or engine warmups
Taking advantage of the Smart Car’s aerodynamic shape can also help maximize range. Driving behind large vehicles like trucks allows you to draft in their wake. Following at a safe distance reduces drag.
Apps like Scan My Tesla for Smart Cars provide feedback on driving habits to help improve efficiency. Monitoring your mileage and adjusting driving accordingly keeps the tank going longer.
Should I Buy a Spare Fuel Tank?
Some Smart Car owners consider carrying a spare small fuel tank to extend range between fill ups. While this can work, there are some downsides:
- Stopping to switch or refuel from a spare tank takes time
- Extra weight reduces mileage, offsetting gains
- Spare fuel tanks have to be properly secured to avoid hazard
- Any range extension is limited by spare tank size
In most cases, adjusting driving habits or planning stops is a simpler way to maximize range. But a small 5-10 gallon spare tank can provide peace of mind for long remote trips. Just weigh the pros and cons for your situation.
Finding Stations for Long Trips
For extended drives, locating gas stations at optimal intervals ensures you can fill up as needed. Apps like GasBuddy can map out locations along your route.
The Smart Car’s range of 300+ miles means stops every 4-5 hours will be sufficient in most cases. Charging stations are seldom more than this distance apart along major highways. Planning your refueling points in advance is recommended for longer journeys.
Having the right emergency supplies provides backup in case you run low on a remote stretch. A spare fuel can, mobile charger, oremergency roadside kit gives you options if the nearest station ends up being further than expected.
Can the Smart Car Run on Diesel?
All production Smart Car models are designed and calibrated for regular unleaded gasoline. Diesel fuel should never be used, as it can severely damage the fuel system and engine.
Attempting to convert a standard Smart Car to run on diesel is extremely challenging. It requires swapping the entire engine and fuel injection system, which is generally not feasible. Some enthusiasts have performed diesel swaps, but the effort and costs involved are impractical for most owners.
If you’re interested in a diesel-powered microcar, Smart did release limited numbers of diesel Smart Cars in Europe from 1998-2006. These early models deliver impressive fuel economy upwards of 60-70 mpg. However, availability in North America is very limited since diesel Smarts were never officially sold here.
For most owners, the standard gasoline-powered Smart Car models provide an excellent blend of fuel efficiency, usability, and relatively low maintenance costs as compact city cars. Due to their niche status, continuing to use regular unleaded per manufacturer specifications is recommended to avoid headaches.
Conclusion
The Smart Car is capable of an impressive driving range between fill ups, especially in newer models. Thanks to the tiny 8.7-9.4 gallon tank and stellar gas mileage, you can expect to travel anywhere from 300-400 miles on average before needing to refuel.
With efficient driving habits, some owners squeeze over 400 miles out of a single tank. But aggressive acceleration, speeding, and stop-and-go traffic will reduce range. Mindful driving makes the most of the Smart Car’s pint-sized tank.
Knowing what kind of range to anticipate helps Smart Car owners better plan longer trips. Checking gas station availability along your route and using apps to maximize driving efficiency ensures you’ll arrive without running out of fuel. With its excellent mileage and diminutive dimensions, the Smart Car makes an unbeatable urban commuter. Taking a few simple steps to enhance range provides the freedom to embark on longer adventures as well when desired.
