What is BCI Group Size
- by Joe Weber - updated on 5/7/2024
Are you lost or overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right battery for your car or truck? Understanding BCI Group Size is one of the first things that you must pay attention to when purchasing a new car or truck battery. Let's dive into what BCI Group Size is all about and why it plays a crucial role in keeping you on the road without any unexpected hiccups.
The History of BCI Group Size
BCI Group Size was the brainchild of the Battery Council International (BCI). BCI has been around for a long time; it started in 1924 when a small group of battery manufacturers met and decided to start a trade organization. It took a bit for the group size standardization to take hold and it didn't become widely used around the country until the mid-20th century. Now, a century later, BCI Group Size is on every battery manufactured for the United States.
As cars and trucks became more advanced with increasing power needs, new group sizes were added to accommodate these changes. Today, the BCI Group Size system remains a pivotal tool for consumers and manufacturers alike when selecting the right battery for their vehicles.
What BCI Group Size Means
BCI Group Size refers to a standardized system created by Battery Council International that categorizes batteries based on their physical dimensions, terminal placement, electrical characteristics and any special features of the battery that could affect the battery fit. This classification helps ensure that the battery you choose fits perfectly in your vehicle without any compatibility issues. Each make and model vehicle has a specific BCI Group Size requirement.
What do BCI Group Size numbers mean?
Each BCI Group Size is assigned a specific code consisting of letters, numbers or a combination of the two. These codes are linked to the length, width, and height of the battery case along with its voltage capacity. By understanding these codes, you can easily identify which batteries will fit your car or truck when looking at a shelf of batteries that all look alike. See below for a sampling of common sizes.
| Group Size | Commonly Seen In |
|---|---|
| 24/24F (Top Terminal) | Acura, Honda, Lexus, Toyota, Infiniti, Nissan |
| 34/78 (Dual Terminal) | Chrysler, Dodge, GM |
| 35 (Top Terminal) | Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru |
| 65 (Top Terminal) | Ford, Lincoln, Mercury |
| 48 (Top Terminal) | Acura, Chevy, Ford, BMW, Cadillac |
| 75 (Side Terminal) | GM, Chrysler, Dodge |
| *This chart is for reference only. Before purchasing a battery please confirm the battery size you need with our experts at Batteries Plus or by using our fitment finder on www.batteriesplus.com. | |
What Do the Letters In A BCI Group Size Mean?
Some group sizes feature both letters and numbers. The numbers in a BCI Group Size will represent the physical size of the battery, but what about the letters that are sometimes included in the group size? These letters will represent different features of the battery like which side the positive terminal is on, what style battery it is (marine, AGM, etc.) and other features.
It's essential to consult your owner's manual or seek guidance from the professionals at Batteries Plus to determine the right group size for optimal performance.
Are There Other Standardizations?
Yes! DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) and JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) are two other popular size standardization codes in car batteries. While these are commonly seen across the pond, they are becoming increasingly more standard in the US in cars made overseas.
For example, here are a few equivalent DIN battery sizes in European vehicles
- DIN size H5 is equal to the BCI Group 47
- DIN size H6 is equal to the BCI Group 48
- DIN size H7 is equal to the BCI Group 94R
- DIN size H8 is equal to the BCI Group 49
Here are some examples of equivalent JIS sizes in Asian vehicles
- JIS size 50D20R is equal to the BCI Group 21
- JIS size 48D26L is equal to the BCI Group 24R
- JIS size 55D23L is equal to the BCI Group 35
- JIS size 44B19L (S) is equal to the BCI Group 151R
How Do I Find The BCI Group Size I Need?
When finding the right BCI Group Size for your car or truck battery, there's no easier place to go than Batteries Plus. Whether online or in-store, we will quickly and easily provide you with the exact batteries your vehicle requires.
First, if you want to do extra work, check your vehicle's owner's manual for specific recommendations on the group size needed. You can also pop the hood and look at your current battery. The group size is typically printed on the label of the battery itself.
The easy way
Don't do manual labor when you don't need to. Just head over to batteriesplus.com where we have a database full of vehicle information at your fingertips. Just enter your year, make and model, license plate number or VIN and we will present you with all the battery options that fit your vehicle. It's that simple.
If you're still unsure about which group size to choose, don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals at your local Batteries Plus. They can help guide you in selecting the right BCI Group Size based on your vehicle's specifications and requirements.
Why It's Important to Use the Right Group Size Car Battery
Choosing the correct BCI Group Size is crucial because using the wrong size battery can lead to performance issues and potential damage to your vehicle's electrical system. It can also damage your vehicle if the battery doesn't fit securely. It can bounce around and damage components in the engine bay.
When you use the right group size, you ensure that the battery fits securely in place without any risk of movement or vibrations that could lead to premature wear and tear. Additionally, the proper group size ensures that your alternator can effectively charge the battery, preventing undercharging or overcharging which can shorten the battery's lifespan.
By selecting the appropriate BCI group size for your vehicle, you also guarantee that it has enough power capacity to meet your specific needs. Whether you have a small compact car with a limited number of added electronics or a fancy sedan or SUV with lots of additional accessories, having the right group size ensures that your battery can handle all necessary functions efficiently.
Overall, using the correct BCI group size is essential for maximizing performance, ensuring safety on the road, and extending the overall lifespan of your car or truck battery.
Batteries Plus Is Here To Help
Need a little extra help? Give us a call or stop by the nearest Batteries Plus store to get expert help picking out your new truck or car battery.
Batteries Plus carries the batteries you want at the right price, close to home. From Duracell Ultra and Optima to our premium X2Power, there's a battery option for you. Once you've picked out the best battery for your car or truck, most of our stores offer expert installation so you can sit back and relax while we install your battery. Fees may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model and the installation's difficulty.
Expert knowledge, fast and professional service, that's Batteries Plus. Stop by or call today to see how we can help you.