Group 95R (H9/L6) Battery: The Complete Guide

Group 95R (H9/L6) batteries are very popular automotive batteries typically used in cars like SUVs, sedans, pickups, etc.

Thanks to their size, capacity, and ability to crank large internal combustion engines, group 95R (H9/L6) batteries are also used as light industrial starting/dual-purpose batteries and as needed, for example, in emergencies, as backup batteries, in medical and security systems, etc. But, group 95R (H9/L6) batteries are most commonly used as automotive batteries.

Published: March 6, 2023.

Group 95R (H9/L6) Battery Dimensions and Features

Group 95R (H9/L6) batteries feature physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 15 9/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches (15.5625 x 6.875 x 7.5 inches, 394 x 175 x 190 mm) and, on average they weigh 60-65 pounds (~27.2-29.5 kg).

Group 95R (H9/L6) batteries are based on lead-acid chemistry, including wet/flooded, Enhanced wet/flooded, and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) chemistry.

Lithium group 95R (H9/L6) batteries (lithium-ion or Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO₄) are still very rare, although they offer weight savings of up to 25-30 pounds, sometimes even more.

The main reason why lithium group 95R (H9/L6) batteries are so rare is that these batteries are mostly used in vehicles where weight savings of 25-30 pounds doesn't justify the higher price of such batteries. Not to mention potential issues with charging and high/low-temperature performances.

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular group 95R (H9/L6) batteries and their features and specifications:

As one can see, group 95R (H9/L6) batteries feature a nominal voltage of 12V, nominal capacity (20h) of 100-110Ah, Reserve Capacity (RC) of 180-200 minutes, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) of ~950 Amps and Cranking Amps (CA/MCA) of 1000-1050 Amps.

Group 95R (H9/L6) batteries commonly feature Top SAE terminals, with the positive (red) terminal on the right side of the battery, hence the 95R.

Note: battery terminals may vary, so be sure to check them before purchasing this battery.

Group 95R Wet/Flooded Starting Batteries

Group 95R (H9/L6) wet/flooded starting batteries are the oldest type of group 95R batteries and are still popular choice due to acceptable price and good performances.

Wet/flooded batteries must be kept upside, or the acid may start to leak. Also, over time, the user must check electrolyte levels and, if required, add some distilled/demineralized water.

However, during hot summer days, this requirement may actually prolong the batteries' lifetime.

Considering all pros and cons of wet/flooded lead-acid batteries, if You need a new group 95R battery, go for the AGM model.

Group 95R AGM Starting and Dual-Purpose Batteries

Group 95R (H9/L6) AGM batteries are maintenance-free batteries, designed with improved resistance to vibrations and mechanical impact.

Although most AGM batteries can operate properly even when laying on the sides, it is nonetheless recommended to position them vertically.

Due to the electrolyte suspended in glass mats, AGM batteries tolerate more deep discharge cycles than wet/flooded lead-acid batteries, especially with slightly thicker plates.

Personally, if You are looking for a new group 95R battery, go for the AGM model.

How To Replace Group 95R Car Battery

Group 95R car batteries are very easy to replace - take your car to the certified dealership and let them replace this or any similar battery in modern cars.

Why?

Well, modern cars are computers with wheels, and any issue with the power supply (for example, a disconnected main battery) can trigger numerous safety systems that may block the engine and other cars' electronic systems.

Note: this also goes for cars with an auxiliary battery.

If You want to replace this or any similar car battery on your own, check the car's Owner's Guide for the exact procedure and do as instructed by the car's manufacturer.

How To Charge Group 95R (H9/L6) Batteries

As long as the group 95R batteries are connected to the car's electrical system, they should NOT be recharged using other means. If, for any reason, such battery must be recharged, check the car's alternator and charge controller.

When the battery must be recharged using a battery charger and not the car's alternator/charge controller, consider using an advanced AGM battery charger with a maximum charging current of 10-15 Amps and charging modes for wet/flooded and AGM batteries and with a temperature probe for charging batteries at high and low temperatures.

For example, if the 100Ah lead-acid battery is discharged down to 80% DoD, the 15 Amps AGM battery charger can recharge such a battery in 6-6.5 hours, while the 10 AMps AGM battery charger can recharge such a battery in 8.5-9.5 hours.

Note: when the charging process is over, advanced battery chargers switch to maintenance mode, keeping the battery charger. Also, if required, cell equalization and desulfation can be initiated during charging, prolonging the battery's lifetime.

Dual-Purpose Group 95R Batteries as Deep Cycle Batteries

AGM group 95R batteries cycle well, much better than starting wet/flooded batteries, and if required, AGM group 95R batteries can even be used as deep cycle batteries.

However, if You do need a deep cycle 12V 100Ah battery, consider getting group 31 batteries if they can fit your desired battery compartment.

With an average RC value of ~190 minutes, dual-purpose group 95R batteries can provide 25 Amps for at least 3 hours, which is enough to power, for example:

• 250W Power Inverter with an energy efficiency of 85%: the battery provides ~300W, energy losses are ~50W, power inverter provides ~250W to the external load.
• 20-30 lbs thrust electric trolling motor for at least 3 hours and 50-55 lbs for 80-90 minutes, motor and battery dependent.
• 1/2 HP sump pump motor draws at least 31 Amps and group 95R batteries can provide such current continuously for at least 2-2.5 hours. Since sump pump motors operate in an On/Off regime, a fully charged dual-purpose (or even a starting) group 95R battery can power such a motor for hours, even days.

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Long Story Short: As one can see, group 95R batteries can be rather versatile, although they are primarily used as car/automotive starting batteries in single and dual-battery systems.

When looking for a new 95R battery, be sure that the new battery features better performance than the old battery and that it has compatible battery terminals, chemistry, and a hold-down system.