[Nikosmart]

Hi,
I'm talking about battery replacement. Searched this site for info, and found some from back in 2009-2010. Back then, the Optima yellow top or red top was the best replacement. Is this still the consensus, or have better battery replacements come about in more recent years? Us newcomers need up to date information to make informed purchases. Thanks for anyone who can relate their experience. Sorry if this a redundant question.

 

[Smart Bob]

I have been using O'Reilly ' s group 47 AGM batteries in both of our smart cars. They are a little pricey but there are less expensive battery options as well. I have used Optima ' s in the past in other cars & I have had some that were good & a few that prematurely failed without prior notice. Optima ' s are very expensive now.

 

[Nikosmart]

Bob,
Thanks for writing back. Are the O'reilly batteries the same size as the original smart battery? Do they utilize the vent tube? Does "AGM" stand for glass mat, and do these need water added or are they sealed? The Optima batteries are completely sealed and not vented at all. I was just wondering if anyone is still using the Optima's and what experiences they had with them.

 

[jwight]

Just my .02, YMMV, etc. Buy the cheapest battery you can find - there's nothing saying expensive batteries last longer. There's a thread today where the OEM battery on a 2016 453 failed, so it's a crap shoot IMHO.

 

[jzchen]

Yes, the original is Advanced Glass Mat, has a vent tube attachment, but there is no need to add water as far as I know. I’ve read the Optimas aren’t exactly the same size, which some noted using a block of wood. I know DreamCarOwner got a regular battery from Walmart (non-AGM). $109.73. The O’Reilly one looked like it fit just like the original. Cheapest AGM I found so far is at Sam’s Club for $134.72.

 

[Smart Bob]

Yes, a group 47 battery from any source is a direct replacement with a provision for the vent. AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat & is sealed & maintenance free so it won't be necessary to have to check the battery electrolyte levels.

 

[smark]

You need to buy, a battery. That’s vented to the outside. Any auto supply store carry them. They do cost more then a regular battery. Batteries for smart cars, seem to last longer with there location inside the cabin. Not exposed to Extreme heat or cold.

https://www.interstatebatteries.com/product-search-results

https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/c...z5A3k/+SITRJT4oRWkHoSXDJTbYNjSgEfLwpSwVzUyYU=

 

[jzchen]

The Schumacher battery chargers I use have three settings: standard, AGM, and Gel. As far as I know they have different optimal charge voltages, rates, or something to that effect. Since the original battery is AGM, then I would expect that the smart is set to optimally work with AGM batteries, which is why I’d assume people haven’t been very impressed with spiral cell/gel Optima battery performance in this application.

Pep Boys and Advance have website coupon codes that can take a good chunk out of a battery cost, for local pickup. Definitely check their websites out....

 

[jzchen]

Another option that isn’t discussed much is a Li-ion or Li-polymer. Big $$$ for one of those, and I haven’t bumped into a direct Group 47 replacement so far.

www.braillebattery.com is a reputable manufacturer of them....