H7 vs H8 Battery

H7 and H8 are battery labels (battery codes) according to the DIN standard and are more commonly used in Europe and rarely used in the US.

H7 and H8 batteries feature very similar, but nonetheless different dimensions, leading to the differences in performances.

Although the DIN (German Industrial Standard) Part Number system is (being) replaced by the ETN (European Type Number) which consists of 6 or 9 numbers, DIN codes H7 and H8 are still being used quite often.

Published: August 10, 2021.

 H7 vs H8 Batteries - Similarities and Differences

H7 (also labeled as L4 or 77L4) and H8 (also labeled as L5 or 88L5) batteries dimensions are very similar to the BCI Groups 94R and 49 batteries' dimensions. The physical dimensions of these batteries are (L x W x H):

- H7: 315 x 175 x 190 mm,

- 94R: 315 x 175 x 190 mm,

- H8: 354 x 175 x 190 mm,

- 49: 381 x 175 x 192 mm.

While battery groups H7 and 94R feature practically the same physical dimensions and can be used interchangeably, at least regarding the battery size, battery groups H8 and 49 feature very similar width and height, but also different lengths, with group 49 being ~27 mm longer (~1.1 inches).

Due to this length difference, H8 group batteries may be used instead of the group 49 batteries, but 49 batteries cannot be used instead of H8 batteries, not at least as long as the user doesn't check the dimensions of the H8 battery compartment.

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

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

As one can see, thanks to the advancements in technology and chemistry and thanks to their size, group 94R/H7 batteries are mostly dual-purpose batteries with a nominal capacity of 75-80 Ah, CCA rating of 800-850 Ah, Reserve Capacity of 140-160 min and the weight of ~51-57 pounds (~23 - 26 kg).

 The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular group 49/H8 batteries with their most important features and specifications:

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

Group 49/H8 batteries feature a nominal capacity of 80-95 Ah, CCA rating of 850-950 Ah, Reserve Capacity of 160-170 min, and the weight of ~57-63 pounds (~26 - 29 kg).

One would expect an even somewhat larger difference between 94R and 49 battery groups, but most of the group 49 batteries are made with the H8 battery standard dimensions - in most situations, they are not 15 inches (381 mm) long, but ~13.9 inches (354 mm).

Because of this "shortening" of the group 49 batteries (15 inches down to 13.9 inches, 381 mm down to 354 mm), these batteries are backward compatible with H8 batteries, at least regarding their dimensions.

Long Story Short: The main difference between H7 and H8 batteries is their length of 315 mm and 354 mm respectively, leading to the different performances as well.

Also, groups 94R and 49 differ in a similar way as the battery groups H7 and H8 differ.

Note that many manufacturers of their group 49 batteries shorten them from 15 inches down to 13.9 inches (~354 mm) making them compatible with H8 batteries, again, at least regarding the length.

But, when replacing the batteries, one should also check terminal types and orientation, battery capacity, CCA/MCA rating, etc. in order to be sure that the old battery and the new battery are interchangeable.