I’m curious as to why small crossovers have tiny fuel tanks. I’ve seen the Buick Envista and that vehicle is plenty big enough to accomodate a 15-16 gallon tank to enable it to go at least 600 miles if not more at the 32mpg interstate rating. Why do automakers keep putting 11-13 gallon tanks in vehicles that only allow it to go around 300 miles on a tank. Wouldn’t the bigger fuel tank be the better and more sensible option?
In: Engineering
Tank size and the fuel in impact the total vehicle weight, inclusive of fuel, cargo and passengers. Gasoline is about 6 pounds a gallon. Plus the weight and size of a larger tank. A larger tank would require either a longer and heavier car, or less cargo space. Everything is a trade off.
More fuel, less fuel efficiency, less cargo space. Average daily commute is about 40 miles roundtrip. A 300 mile range is enough cover about a week’s worth of driving at least for urban and suburban commuters. Could they put a massive 25 gallon tank in a car? Sure. Look up the old ford crown victoria or the 70s era Ford Pinto. Both of those cars had design flaws in the fuel tank that caused the tank to rupture and spray fuel into the passenger compartment in accidents.
A larger tank might not fit under the car, and it might need to be placed higher up into the trunk area increasing the risk that fuel could be sprayed into the passenger area.
Latest Answers