What is the Difference Between H7 and 94R Battery - H7 vs 94R

Having the battery of the proper size, chemistry, type, and performances can be a little bit problematic with different standards used across different continents and with globalization making the world smaller and smaller.

Thus, many people wonder what is the difference between H7 or L4 (DIN Codes) battery, 77L4 (EN Codes) battery, and 94R (BCI Group) battery...

Published: August 13, 2021.

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H7 and 94R Batteries Features and Specifications

According to the DIN codes (DIN standard), H7 battery size is also labeled as "L4 battery" and it features physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 315 x 175 x 190 mm, with the positive battery terminal to the right side of the battery when the battery is faced from the front.

According to EN codes (EN standard), such 315 x 175 x 190 mm battery is labeled as "77L4 battery".

According to the BCI battery chart, the closest battery size is "94R" featuring physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 12 3/8 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches (12.375 x 6.875 x 7.5 inches, 315 x 175 x 190 mm), with the positive battery terminal being on the right side - hence the letter "R" after "94".

For short, battery groups H7, L4, 77L4, and 94R are practically the same batteries, at least regarding the size and the terminal orientation.

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However, when replacing the old battery with the new one, be sure to check not only the battery size and terminal orientation but also terminal types, battery chemistry, battery type, and similar.

The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular H7, L4, 77L4, and 94R batteries with their most important features and specifications:

Model Battery Type
Cell Type
Capacity (Ah)
RC (min)
CCA
MCA
Weight (lbs/kg)
Review
ACDelco 94RAGM Dual Purpose
AGM
80
140
850
-
51.6 lbs; 23.4 kg
-
Deka 9A94R Dual Purpose
AGM
80
140
800
-
51.5 lbs; 23.3 kg
-
Delphi BU9094R Dual Purpose
AGM
80
140
800
-
52 lbs; 23.6 kg
-
Exide Edge FP-AGML4/94R Dual Purpose
AGM
80
140
800
-
53.3 lbs; 24.1 kg
-
Interstate MTX-94R/H7 Starting
AGM
80
140
850
1000
52 lbs; 23.6 kg
-
NorthStar NSB-AGM94R Dual Purpose
AGM
76
158
840
1030
57 lbs; 25.8 kg
-
Odyssey 94R-850 Dual Purpose
AGM
80
150
850
-
54.8 lbs; 24.9 kg
-
Optima DH7 YellowTop Dual Purpose
AGM
80
155
880
-
60.5 lbs; 27.4 kg
-
XingCell GH7 Dual Purpose
Lithium
75
180
880
-
17.8 lbs; 8.06 kg
-
XingCell PH7 Dual Purpose
Lithium
54
~130
610
-
15.4 lbs; ~7 kg
-

Most of the group H7/94R batteries are dual-purpose Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) spill-proof batteries, suitable for both starting and cycle applications, thanks to the improvements in chemistry.

The typical capacity of the AGM H7/94R batteries is 76-80 Ah, typical CCA rating is 800-850 Amps, with a typical Reserve Capacity (RC) rating of 140-160 minutes.

Lead-acid H7/94R batteries weigh ~51-57 pounds (~23.1-25.8 kg) and are able to withstand several hundred charging/discharging cycles, depending on the battery age, DoD%, charging/discharging rate, and similar.

However, most H7/94R dual-purpose AGM batteries are used as automotive batteries in single-battery electric systems, where they are tasked with cranking the engine and powering various loads even when the main engine is turned off.

eastup lithium 94r w300px

Lithium H7/94R batteries are not as common as AGM H7/94R batteries, but they are offering similar capacity with improved CCA and RC ratings, weighing at the same time ~3x less than typical AGM H7/94R battery.

But, lithium H7/94R batteries also cost several times more than typical AGM H7/94R batteries and are thus used in high-performance applications where weight savings justify the price difference.


h7 and 94r mLong Story Short: The difference between H7, L4, 77L4, and 94R batteries, at least regarding the size and terminal orientation is - none.

Thus, many battery brands label their batteries using all (or at least most) of H7, L4, 77L4, and 94R labels at the same time.