Looking to find out about group 26 batteries?
Well, you’re in the right place!
When you start looking into replacement batteries, things can get complicated quickly.
There’s so many numbers and ratings to deal with including BCI group sizes, positive terminal positions, and capacity.
Plus you need to ensure your chosen product is right for the required application.
Below we will discuss all of this and more so you’ll have an expert understanding of group 26 and 26R batteries.
⚡BCI Group 26 Key Facts⚡
- Length: 8.2 inch
- Width: 6.8 inch
- Height: 7.75 inch
- Weight: 29 lbs
- 12V
- 500 – 550 CCA
- AGM, WET, SLA
- Starting, Marine
What is a Group 26 Battery?
Group 26 are predominantly used as lightweight starting batteries. You will find them in small off-road and UTV vehicles.
Thanks to their small size and reduced weight, gas powered utility task vehicles, golf carts, ATVs, lawnmowers and quad bikes rely on these batteries to start their engines.
Adding to this a small number of cars use this group including Dodge and Subaru.
You will also find a small number of deep cycle group 26 batteries for low powered uses like electric gates, floor scrubbers, and bowling machines.
BCI Group 26 Dimensions and Weight
Group 26 battery dimensions are
- Length: 8 3/16 inches (208 mm)
- Width: 6 13/16 inches (173mm)
- Height: 7 3/4 inches (197 mm)
They are comparatively lightweight compared to other groups at around 29lbs (13kg).
Group 26R batteries share these identical dimensions. The only difference is the location of the positive and negative terminals. The ‘R’ indicates that the terminals are laid out in opposite locations. The positive terminal is on the right, not the left.
Application and Cell Type
The majority of group 26 batteries lead acid and are designed to use for starting vehicle engines.
You will find both flooded WET and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat). As they are mostly used in small off-road vehicles, the most common type is AGM which copes better with bumps and vibrations. But you can find flooded WET cell versions from manufacturers like Duracell.
It is rare to see group 26 designed for deep cycle (like in an RV) or marine use.
Additionally, there are increasing amounts of lithium group 26 batteries. Although BCI group sizing only applies to lead acid batteries, many lithium manufacturers build their products to the same dimensions. Antigravity is an example of this which can be used for UTVs and cars. You’ll benefit for a longer lifespan and reduced weight but it can be ten times more expensive!
Pros and Cons of Group 26 Batteries
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of these batteries.
Pros:
- Lightweight starting battery
- Small dimensions
- Fits in small vehicles like UTV and golf carts
- Lead acid and lithium available
Cons:
- Small selection available
- Limited total capacity
- Mostly created for starting application
Group 26 vs Group 26R Batteries
Group 26 and 26R batteries are almost identical. They have the exact same dimensions and are used for the same applications.
The only difference between the two is the location of the positive and negative terminals. The terminals are located in the opposite positions, so they are reversed on a 26R.
You can easily see this as the positive terminal will be on the right on a 26R. And the positive terminal is on the left on a 26.
Group 26 vs Group 35 Batteries
Both group 26 and group 35 are usually created as vehicle starting batteries.
Unfortunately, they have very different dimensions and capacities. You can’t replace one with another or use them as equivalents.
A group 35 battery is much larger both in length and height. It is unlikely to fit in a group 26 battery compartment.
In addition, a group 26 battery is smaller and lower capacity and CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). This means it is unlikely to have enough starting energy to use in a vehicle designed for a group 35.
For example, a group 35 is nearly 2 inches longer and 1 inch taller than a group 26. Plus group 35 has a CCA of over 750 compared to less than 500 CCA for group 26.
FAQ
There are not many cars using group 26 batteries anymore. You can still find them in Dodge and Subaru cars. More often they are used in small gas powered vehicles like UTVs and golf carts.
These are generally built at starting batteries so you should pay attention to the CCA (cold cranking amps) rather than the amp hours. A group 26 has a maximum of 550 CCA which is enough for a small passenger car or vehicle.
The R in a battery group means that the terminals are reversed. So the positive and negative terminals are in the opposite positions. Other than this there is no difference.
They have similar dimensions but a group 59 is half an inch wider and nearly 1 inch shorter in height. You should measure your battery compartments width and height to ensure it will fit.
Summary
I hope you have found all the information you need about group 26 and 26R batteries.
As you discovered, these are relatively small batteries mostly used for starting engines in vehicles like UTVs and golf carts. Plus a small number of passenger car brands like Dodge and Subaru are known to use this group size.
You can find them with either lead acid and lithium cells depending on your preference.
Unfortunately, the use of group 26 batteries is limited so there is only a small choice of products on the market. You might struggle to find deep cycle or marine options in this size.
