Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) Batteries - Dimensions, Features, and Recommendations

BCI Group 49 or Group H8 are very popular car/truck batteries, commonly used not only as starting/cranking batteries but also as dual-purpose batteries, used for powering various loads while the main engine is turned off, like various winches, pumps, multimedia devices, etc.

While BCI Group 49 and Group H8 (or Group L5 or Group 88L5) are considered interchangeable, there are a few important differences one has to know before buying any of these batteries.

Updated: June 30, 2022.

Group 49 & Group H8 (L5, 88L5) Batteries Specifications and Differences

According to the BCI, standard Group 49 battery maximum dimensions are 13 15/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches (13.9375 x 6.875 x 7.5 inches, 354 x 175 x 190 mm), while H8 battery DIN/EN maximum dimensions are also 354 x 175 x 190 mm.

Note: DIN codes for these batteries are H8 or L5, while the EN code for these batteries is 88L5.

On the other hand BCI Group 93 features physical dimensions of 13 15/16 x 6 7/8 x 6 7/8 inches (354 x 175 x 175 mm) - it has the same length and width as the H8 (L5, 88L5) battery, but it is not as tall as H8 battery (15 mm, 0.59 inches difference). Due to the somewhat lower volume, Group 93 battery has somewhat lower capacity and MCA/CCA (Marine Cranking Amps/Cold Cranking Amps) ratings than the H8 (L5, 88L5) battery.

The following cross-reference chart lists some of the most popular BCI Group 49 and EN/DIN H8 (L5, 88L5) batteries:

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The most popular BCI Group 49 batteries are AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, which are spill-proof batteries, requiring almost no maintenance.

Such internal construction ensures greater resistance to vibration and mechanical impacts but also ensures better recovery when deeply discharged.

Thus, the difference between starting and dual-purpose group 49 batteries is not as clear as years before, especially with the introduction of group 49 AGM batteries that support the Stop&Go use.

On average, group 49 battery features capacity in the 90-95 Ah range, CCA rating of 850-950 Amps, MCA rating of 975 - 1150 Amps, RC value of 160-170 minutes and they weigh 57 to 63 pounds.

While wet/flooded group 49 batteries are being replaced by group 49 AGM batteries, lithium group 49 batteries are slowly emerging on the market - they offer great weight savings, which can be very important in certain applications.

However, saving 30-35 pounds on the 3000+ pounds vehicle is almost negligible, at least in most situations.

Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) Battery as a Car Starting Battery

Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) batteries are commonly used as car starting batteries, and thanks to an average CCA rating of 900 Amps, they can crank rather large diesel and especially gas internal combustion engines.

Since most modern group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) batteries are Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries, they can provide strong starting currents and they tolerate well deep discharges - many of these batteries are labeled as starting/cranking batteries, but in essence, they are dual-purpose batteries, featuring Reserve Capacity of at least 160+ minutes and supporting a rather large number of charging/discharging cycles, at least for the lead-acid batteries.

As such, group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) batteries can be used as car batteries, marine batteries, light-industrial batteries, and similar.

Note: when replacing your car battery, be sure that the new battery has the same battery terminals, dimensions, the same or better discharging features, battery hold-downs, etc.

Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) Battery as a Backup Sump Pump Battery

First of all, group 49 batteries are generally not intended for deep discharge applications, especially not for deep discharge cycle applications.

But, in emergencies, when there is no mains power and your backup sump pump battery is failing, in order to prevent the flooding, yes, group 49 batteries may be used as the backup sump pump battery, but be aware of:

- deeply discharged group 49 battery in most situations is unable to crank the engine - it must be recharged first.

- common sump pump backup batteries have a capacity in the 75 - 100 Ah range. Depending on the use, the high-quality, fully charged group 49 battery can last for hours, if not days.

- most group 49 batteries have SAE automotive battery terminals, while other models use M6/M8 bolts.

- deep discharge applications may shorten the operating file of dual-purpose and especially starting group 49 batteries.

But, when there is no other way out, a fully charged group 49 battery taken out of the car/truck, can be a real lifesaver.

How to Charge the Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) Battery?

When the group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) battery is connected to the electrical system of the car/truck or some other vehicle, let the onboard battery charger do its task and keep the battery charged.

However, if the battery must be charged with the battery charger, go for the smart/intelligent AGM battery charger that supports the charging of wet/flooded, Gel-Cell, and AGM batteries, with maximum charging currents of up to 10-15 Amps, although some models may be recharged using stronger currents (for example, Odyssey 49-950 Group 49 battery).

Such battery chargers analyze the battery first and recharge it using charging modes and currents according to the battery condition.

For example, if the 90 Ah battery is discharged down to 50% DoD, a good 12V 10Ah AGM battery charger may recharge such battery in less than 5 hours.

And when the battery is fully recharged, such battery chargers automatically switch themselves to the maintenance mode, keeping the battery fully charged.

Lithium Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) batteries should be recharged with dedicated lithium battery chargers or with AGM battery chargers that feature dedicated lithium battery charging modes.

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Long Story Short: Group 49 (H8, L5, 88L5) batteries are very popular car/truck batteries that are used not only for cranking/starting the main engine but also for powering various loads while the main engine is Off.

Due to the size differences between the batteries of Group 49 and Group H8, measure the battery compartment first - most group H8 battery compartments may accept group 49 batteries, but NOT always.

Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.