This guide covers the best 12‑volt replacement batteries for Smart models (fortwo, forfour, Roadster, EQ/ED). You’ll find quick picks, specs that matter, model‑by‑model sizing, install steps, and care tips. When you’re ready to shop, jump straight to curated Amazon searches for AGM H5 / Group 47, EFB H5 / Group 47, and early‑model DIN L1 / 063 sizes.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks for Smart Owners (By Use Case)

  • Daily driver, no start‑stop (most 451 fortwo): Quality Flooded or EFB in H5 / Group 47. Browse H5/47 options. ~$150–$260 (Flooded/EFB)
  • Start‑Stop equipped (453 fortwo/forfour): EFB (good) or AGM (best) in H5 / Group 47. Do not downgrade to standard flooded. See H5 EFB and H5 AGM. ~$190–$350
  • EQ fortwo / ED (electric) 12V aux battery: Prefer AGM H5 for better cycling and charge acceptance. Shop AGM H5. ~$220–$360
  • Early models (450 fortwo, 452 Roadster): Compact DIN L1 / 063 footprint. See L1/063. ~$120–$200
  • Short trips, audio upgrades, harsh climates: AGM H5 for vibration resistance and high CCA. AGM H5 picks. ~$230–$360
  • Lightweight/track build (niche): Performance LiFePO4 in H5 case (only if charging system compatible). H5 Lithium. ~$500–$900

Top Battery Types for Smarts (What to Choose & Why)

Type Best For Pros Watch‑outs Typical Price
Flooded (Lead‑Acid) Older 450/452 or budget replacements Lowest cost; widely available Lower cycle life; weaker for heavy accessories $120–$200
EFB 453 with start‑stop; mixed city driving Better cycle life than flooded; OE on many 453 Don’t downgrade from EFB to flooded $170–$260 (browse H5 EFB)
AGM EQ/ED aux battery, short trips, high loads High CCA; fast charge acceptance; spill‑proof Slightly higher cost; needs proper venting $220–$360 (see H5 AGM)
LiFePO4 (Performance) Weight savings, occasional track use Very light; high cranking for size Compatibility & cold‑weather limits; premium price $500–$900 (H5 lithium)

Smart Model-Specific Buying Tips

  • fortwo 450 (1998–2006): Look for DIN L1 / 063 (~207×175×190 mm), ~42–50Ah. Compact case clears the footwell and hold‑down. Search 063 size batteries. ~$120–$180
  • Roadster 452 (2003–2006): Also DIN L1 / 063. Favor higher Ah (50+) if you run accessories. Shop L1/063. ~$130–$190
  • fortwo 451 (2007–2015): Commonly H5 / Group 47. If you have lots of short trips or accessories, step up to AGM H5. Browse H5. ~$170–$320
  • fortwo & forfour 453 (2016–2019): H5 / Group 47 is standard. Many trims used EFB from factory; AGM is an upgrade. H5 EFB or H5 AGM. ~$190–$350
  • EQ fortwo / ED (electric): The 12V auxiliary uses H5. Choose AGM for deeper cycling and cabin vent safety. See AGM H5. ~$220–$360

Smart Battery Fitment Cheat Sheet (Most-Common Sizes)

Model Years Common Size(s) Tech (OE) Notes
fortwo 450 (petrol) 1998–2006 DIN L1 / 063 (~207×175×190) Flooded SLA ~50Ah Compact footprint; verify hold‑down & vent path
fortwo 450 (diesel) 1999–2005 DIN L1 / 065 (~61Ah) Flooded SLA Higher Ah spec than petrol; sealed/vented design recommended
Roadster 452 2003–2006 DIN L1 / 063 Flooded SLA 42–50Ah Small case; check B13 base clamp
fortwo 451 2007–2015 H5 / Group 47 / L2 Flooded/EFB (~50–61Ah) AGM upgrade recommended for short trips
fortwo 453 2016–2019 H5 / Group 47 / L2 EFB (many trims) Located under front hood; vent to exterior
forfour 453 2015–2019 H5 / Group 47 / L2 EFB Shared platform with Renault Twingo; H5 fitment common
EQ fortwo / ED 2013–2019 H5 / Group 47 (12V auxiliary) EFB/AGM depending on year 12V runs accessories & relays; high charge acceptance helps

Spec Targets: CCA, RC, and Warranty

CCA: Cold Cranking Amps RC: Reserve Capacity Tech: Flooded / EFB / AGM

  • CCA: Meet or exceed factory spec. For cold winters, aim +50–100 CCA over OE. H5/47 AGMs typically offer 650–680 CCA.
  • RC: More RC = better support for lights/HVAC/audio at idle or with the engine off. H5/47 often lands around 90–110 minutes.
  • Technology: If your Smart shipped with EFB/AGM (common on 453 and EQ/ED), don’t downgrade to standard flooded.
  • Warranty: Target 36+ months free replacement (policy varies by region and retailer).
  • Orientation & venting: H5/47 uses top posts; ensure the vent tube routes outside the cabin.

Best Car Battery Brands for Smart & Where-to-Buy

Brand/Line Why It’s Good for Smart Shop
Odyssey ODP‑AGM47 (H5) Premium AGM, strong CCA & cycling for short‑trip city use Search on Amazon
Optima YellowTop DH5 (H5) Deep‑cycle AGM ideal for accessories and frequent stops Search on Amazon
Interstate MTP‑47/H5 Trusted fitment for 451/453; robust CCA Search on Amazon
DieHard Platinum AGM H5 Well‑reviewed AGM with long warranty Search on Amazon
Duralast Gold / Platinum (H5) Good CCA & availability; Platinum = AGM Search on Amazon
Varta / Bosch H5 OE‑tier European options, especially for 450/452/453 Search on Amazon
Performance Lithium (H5 case) Ultra‑light; niche builds. Confirm alternator/BMS compatibility. Search on Amazon
  • Where to buy (US/EU): Amazon (fast delivery), AutoZone/Advance/O’Reilly (testing & install), Walmart (budget), MB/Smart dealers (coding/updates & OE parts).
  • Pro tip: Ask retailers to load‑test your old battery/charging system before you buy—often free.

How to Check Freshness & Authenticity

  • Find the date code (e.g., A=Jan → L=Dec; number=year). Prefer stock < 6 months old.
  • Confirm weight matches spec (very light can indicate low electrolyte in lead‑acid).
  • Inspect case & posts for scuffs, spills, crooked labels; avoid products with tampered vent caps.
  • Buy from reputable sellers; keep receipt for warranty.

Car Battery Warranty Tips

  • Look for free replacement period (e.g., 36 months) rather than pro‑rated only.
  • Verify the warranty is honored nationwide (handy on road trips).
  • Record install date, mileage, and voltage on the receipt or under‑hood label.
  • Follow required charging/venting notes; misuse can void coverage.

Smart Car Battery Installation Guide (DIY or Shop)

  1. Save settings & prep: Keep doors open, key out. If available, connect a memory saver to the OBD port to retain presets.
  2. Access the battery: On 451/453, open the front service flap/hood; the battery sits ahead of the cabin (passenger side on many trims). Remove covers/trim as needed.
  3. Vent check: Identify the vent tube and note which side it plugs into on the new battery.
  4. Disconnect safely: Negative (−) first, then positive (+). Undo the hold‑down clamp.
  5. Swap in new battery: Place the correct size (H5/47 or L1/063 on early cars). Ensure posts match orientation. Refit the clamp to spec.
  6. Reconnect: Positive (+) first, then negative (−). Attach the vent tube to the battery’s vent port.
  7. Initial check: Start the car, verify voltage (13.8–14.6V running), and ensure no battery/charging warnings.
  8. Reset items: Set clock/windows if needed. Some start‑stop cars may relearn idle/charging after a short drive.
  9. When to use a shop: If the car has start‑stop or you’re switching tech (EFB→AGM), many shops can code/register the battery and test the alternator/DC‑DC system.

Smart Car Battery Maintenance & Longevity

  • Drive pattern: Short, infrequent trips? Use an intelligent maintainer (AGM‑safe) to avoid sulfation.
  • Clean connections: Keep posts/clamps clean and tight; protect with dielectric grease.
  • Avoid deep discharges: Don’t leave lights or accessories on; AGM tolerates this better but still ages faster when deeply cycled.
  • Heat management: Park in shade when possible; heat is the #1 battery killer.
  • Annual test: Have a shop run a conductance test before winter or road trips.

Signs You Need a New Battery

  • Slow cranking, especially after overnight sits
  • Frequent start‑stop disable warnings (453)
  • Dashboard battery/charging alerts, dim lights at idle
  • 12.2V or less at rest after full charge (ageing cell)
  • Swollen case, sulfur smell, or electrolyte stains

Contact Smart Customer Service & Support

Smart Car Battery FAQs

Can I upgrade from a standard flooded battery to AGM in my Smart?
Yes, in most Smart models AGM is considered an upgrade. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are sealed, vibration-resistant, recharge faster, and tolerate deep discharge better than basic flooded lead-acid. You can safely go from flooded → AGM without harming the charging system in most cases. What you should not do is go backward (AGM → basic flooded) if the car relies on stable voltage for all its electronics, especially in newer Smart models with start-stop or heavy accessory load.

Do I need a special battery for start-stop in my Smart?
If your Smart uses start-stop or “micro-hybrid” idle cutoff, you should use at least an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or AGM. Those chemistries are built for repeated engine restarts in traffic and frequent partial discharge. Installing a cheap standard flooded battery instead can shorten lifespan dramatically and can trigger electrical warnings or weak restarts at red lights.

How long should a Smart car battery last?
Most Smart car 12V batteries last around 3–4 years in typical city usage. Smarts are often driven on short trips with lots of accessories (lights, HVAC fan, infotainment) and very little sustained charging time, which is harder on the battery. With mostly highway miles, moderate climate, and an AGM/EFB battery that’s kept topped up, you can sometimes see 5 years or more. Extreme heat, long storage without a maintainer, and constant start-stop cycles can pull that down to about 2–3 years.

How much is a Smart car battery?
Expect roughly $120–$180 for a standard flooded or compact EFB-sized replacement in older Smart city cars, and about $180–$260 for a high-quality AGM with better reserve capacity and deeper cycle durability. Pricing at the dealer can run higher, especially if installation is included or if the Smart uses a specific case size that’s less common at big-box auto parts stores.

What size battery does my Smart need?
Smart cars often use a small case size with tight packaging. You need to match three things: physical footprint so it fits in the tray, terminal orientation so the cables reach without strain, and the factory Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) / Reserve Capacity (RC) rating. The easiest way to confirm is to read the label on your current battery or check the owner’s manual/parts catalog for your exact model year and engine type before you order.

When should I replace the battery instead of just recharging it?
Replace it if the car struggles to crank after sitting overnight, interior lights dim hard on startup, or you’re seeing random electrical glitches like radio resets, cluster warning lights that disappear after driving, or power steering assist cutting in and out. If voltage keeps sagging below ~12.4V at rest even after a long drive or a proper charger session, that battery is sulfated and it’s usually cheaper to replace than keep jump-starting it.

Does warranty matter when choosing a Smart battery?
Definitely. Look for a clear free-replacement window (often 24–36 months) rather than only pro-rated coverage. A stronger warranty usually signals thicker internal plates, better vibration resistance, and better cycle life under the stop-and-go abuse that Smart city cars see every day.

Bottom line: For most modern Smarts (451/453 and EQ/ED), a quality H5 / Group 47 battery is the correct footprint. If your car has start‑stop or you drive mostly short urban trips, choose AGM H5; otherwise EFB H5 is a great value. Early cars (450/452) typically use the smaller L1 / 063 size. Prioritize fresh stock, solid CCA (650 A class), high RC, and a 3+ year warranty. Use the fitment table and quick picks above to buy with confidence.
Best Car Battery for Smart – Top Picks for Every Model