H6 vs H7 Battery

H6 and H7 are battery labels (battery codes) according to the DIN standard and are rarely used in the US - more commonly in Europe.

H6 and H7 batteries feature similar dimensions, but not quite the same, leading to different performances.

DIN (German Industrial Standard) Part Number system is (being) replaced by the ETN (European Type Number) consisting of 6 or 9 numbers. But, DIN codes H6 and H7 are still being used quite often.

Published: July 25, 2021.

H6 and H7 Battery Dimensions

According to the DIN part number system, H6, and H7 battery dimensions are (L x W x H):

- H6 battery: 278 x 175 x 190 mm,

- H7 battery: 315 x 175 x 190 mm.

As one can see, H6 and H7 batteries feature exactly the same width (175 mm, 6.89 inches) and height (190 mm, 7.48 inches), but they differ in length by 37 mm (1.47 inches) - H7 batteries are longer, and thus feature larger volume and hence better performances in terms of capacity, cranking Amps, and Reserve Capacity (RC). Also, H7 batteries tend to be heavier.

H6 and H7 batteries have several equivalent sizes according to the BCI standard:

- H6 battery (278 x 175 x 190 mm) -> BCI Group 48 (12 1/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 9/16 inches, 306 x 175 x 192 mm) and BCI Group 98R (11 3/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches, 283 x 175 x 190 mm),

- H7 battery (315 x 175 x 190 mm) -> BCI Group 94R (12 3/8 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches, 315 x 175 x 190 mm).

As one can see, H7 and BCI Group 94R batteries have practically exactly the same dimensions (12 3/8 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches, 315 x 175 x 190 mm) and can be used interchangeably.

On the other hand, H6 batteries are 2 mm lower and 28 mm shorter than BCI Group 48 batteries and 5 mm shorter than BCI Group 98R batteries - H6 batteries may directly fit battery compartments intended for the group 48 batteries and group 98R batteries, but group 48 and group 98R batteries cannot fit H6 battery compartment for sure due to the size differences.

H6, H7, group 48, and group 94R batteries are commonly used in automotive and light industrial applications as starting/cranking and dual-purpose batteries.

Most modern H6, H7, group 48, and group 94R batteries are sealed lead-acid (SLA) Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries that have very good starting performances, but thanks to advancements in technology, they also cycle very well and tolerate relatively well deep discharges.

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular group 48/H6 batteries with their most important features and specifications.

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On average, BCI Group 48 batteries feature a nominal capacity of 60 to 72 Ah, CCA rating of 720-800 Amps, MCA rating of 800-930 Amps, RC value of 120-140 minutes and they weigh 45 - 54 pounds (20 - 24 kg).

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular group 94R/H7 batteries with their most important features and specifications.

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On average, Group 94R batteries feature a nominal capacity of 76 to 80 Ah, CCA rating of 800-850 Amps, RC value of 140-160 minutes and they weigh 51 - 57 pounds (23 - 26 kg).

As said before, due to the size difference H7 (94R) batteries feature larger capacity, stronger starting currents, longer RC values, but they are also somewhat heavier.

Long Story Short: When replacing not only H6/H7 batteries, but car batteries in general, always check actual size, terminal type and orientation, battery type and chemistry, and its capacity and starting performances.

H7 batteries may be replaced by group 94R batteries, but H6 batteries should not be replaced by group 48 batteries, unless the group 48 battery may fit into the required battery compartment.

Also, the H7 battery may be replaced by the H6 battery regarding their size, but the H6 battery is "weaker" than the H7 battery and will work harder (if at all!) and will not last as long as the H7 battery.

On the other hand, if the H7 battery may fit the H6 battery compartment and the charging system may recharge it properly, it will work well and will hopefully last at least as long as the H6 battery.

Note: all these batteries store plenty of energy and can release large currents easily. So stay safe - whatever You do with these batteries, it is your own responsibility...