If you’re reading this, you’ll probably be looking to replace your dead car or marine battery.
The good news is that it is easy to find this size battery as they are widely used in many modern day systems.
Before you make a purchase, be sure to understand the application and chemistry type of your current battery to make sure everything is compatible. Below you will find everything you need to know.
⚡BCI Group 48 Key Facts⚡
- Length: 12 1/16 inch
- Width: 6 ⅞ inch
- Height: 7 9/16 inch
- Weight: 45 lbs
- 12V
- 700 – 800 CCA
- Sealed, AGM, Lithium
- Starting, Marine
What is a Group 48 Battery?
BCI group size 48 are built as either starting or dual purpose marine batteries. They are also referred to as H6 batteries for automobiles.
This is a common size battery and is used by a wide range of car manufacturers around the world including Audi, Cadillac, BMW, Chevrolet, VW and Volvo.
As starting batteries go, these are relatively large at over 12 inches long and nearly 8 inches high. This enables them to deliver 700 – 800CCA and 60 – 70Ah. This enables them to run in larger cars and light trucks.
You’ll also see hybrid versions used in boats and commercial applications. These offer dual purposes of cranking gas engines and running small electronics.
BCI Group 48 Battery Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of a group size 48 battery are:
- Length: 12 1/16 inches (306mm)
- Width: 6 ⅞ inches (175mm)
- Height: 7 9/16 inches (192mm)
- Average Weight: 45lbs (20kg)
Chemistry Type and Application
Group 47 batteries are generally made as maintenance free AGM or sealed lead acid. This provides several benefits including an enhanced lifespan, removal of spillages, and no need to refill battery acid.
You can still find traditional flooded lead acid options, although these have become unpopular.
More lithium options are now on the market. These offer a higher energy density to deliver more performance and reduce weight but upto 70%. This is particularly beneficial to high performance vehicles and boats.
As I mentioned earlier, this group size is only built for starting or marine purposes. You won’t find deep cycle options, use another size for this application. Even dual purpose marine is built to favor starting over cyclical application so is no use in an RV or similar system.
Pros and Cons of Group 48 Batteries
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of these batteries.
Pros:
- Common and easy to find
- Still used in modern vehicles
- Starting and marine options
- AGM, SLA, WET, and LiFepo4 available
Cons:
- Not for deep cycle
- Relatively heavy
Group 48 vs Group 91 Batteries
If you’re wondering about the difference between battery group size 48 and 91, start with the comparison below.
You’ll see that group 91 is over 1 inch longer and taller than group 48. This makes it tricky to use as an equivalent replacement. A 91 is unlikely to fit into a 48 battery compartment. Although, you could replace a 91 with a 48 if you secure it correctly.
Despite the size difference, they share similar performance of 700 – 800CCA when used for cranking.
| Group | Length (inch) | Width (inch) | Height (inch) |
| 91 | 12 1/16 | 6 7/8 | 7 9/16 |
| 48 | 11 | 6 7/8 | 6 7/8 |
Group 48 vs Group 49 Batteries
Although they sit closely together on a BCI size chart, they have very different external dimensions. As you can see below, a group 49 is far larger at 15 inches in length. This means you won’t be able to use them interchangeably in your battery compartment.
This extra size leads to a difference in capacity too, with group 49 delivering 900 – 1000CCA which is 200+CCA more than a group 48.
| Group | Length (inch) | Width (inch) | Height (inch) |
| 49 | 15 | 6 7/8 | 7 3/16 |
| 48 | 11 | 6 7/8 | 6 7/8 |
Group 48 vs H6 Batteries
H6 batteries are almost identical to group 48. It is simply a different sizing system. BCI group size is a universal sizing whereas ‘H’ is more common in Europe and North America. Manufacturers mark the same batteries as 48 and H6.
FAQ
Vehicles known to use group 48 H6 include:
Acura – Mdx, Rdx, Tlx
Audi – A3, A4, A5, Q3, R8, S3, Tt
BMW– 128i, 135is, 325i, 328xi, Z3
Buick – Allure, Enclave, Regal, Verano
Cadillac – Ats, Escalade, Sts
Chevrolet – Cruze, Avalanche, Silverado, Camero, Equinox
Ferrari – 360, 458, 488
Ford – Edge, Focus, Transit
GMC – Sierra, Yukon
Hyundai – Elantra, Sonata, Tucson
Kia – Soul, Optima, Rio, Sportage
Maserati – Coupe, Gransport, Spyder
Mercedes – Amg, C250, C300, Metris, Slk350
Mini – Cooper
Saab – 9-5
VW – Atlas, Beetle, Golf, Jetta, Passat
Volvo – V70, C70, S60, V60, Xc60
60 – 70Ah
700 to 800 cold cranking amps
Yes, these are the same, it is just a different sizing system.
Summary
I hope this article about group 48 H6 batteries helps you in your quest for a replacement.
As you have discovered, they measure 11 inches by 6 ⅞ inches making it a mid-side cranking or dual purpose option. It should be able to produce over 700CCA and over 60Ah capacity.
You’ll be able to choose from all the main chemistry types including AGM, Sealed, Flooded, and Lithium.
