Size And Weight Of 12v Car Batteries (With Examples)
Last updated on March 20th, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Car batteries are available in a variety of shapes and sizes resulting in different weights.
The 12-volt battery is commonly used in most cars, trucks, and SUVs.
You may be interested in knowing the size and weight of a 12-volt battery before purchasing a vehicle as it can affect performance.
Also if you are replacing the battery in your vehicle, it’s important to know the size and weight to ensure you choose the proper one.
What is a 12-volt battery?
The 12-volt lead-acid battery is the industry standard used in most automobiles today.
Its purpose is for starting the engine and proves the necessary power for lights and any other accessories.
Basically, the battery will deliver electrical power to the vehicle’s starter which will turn over or crank the engine.
A 12-volt battery consists of 6 cells, each with 2.1 volts when fully charged.
A car battery is charged when it reads 12.4 volts and is considered fully charged at 12.6 volts.
If the battery is below 12.4 volts it is discharged or undercharged.
The following image shows a digital multimeter testing a 12-volt battery.
What is the size of a 12v car battery?
Although not all 12-volt batteries are the same size, on average they have the dimensions of 9-10 inches long x 8-9 inches high x 5-7 inches wide. For example, the 2020 Honda Civic uses a group size 51R battery that has the exact dimensions of 9.3 inches long by 5.1 inches wide by 8.9 inches high.
What is the weight of a 12v car battery?
There are a few different factors that affect the weight of a 12v battery.
- Size
- Brand
- BCI group
- Age
On average, a 12-volt car battery will weigh close to 40 pounds. Depending on the factors mentioned above, battery weight can vary from 30-50 pounds.
Check out the following table for more examples of car battery weight.
| Vehicle make/model | Group size BCI number | Battery weight in pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | 35 | 40 |
| Honda Accord | H6 | 44 |
| Ford Mustang | 96R | 34 |
| Toyota Camry | 24 | 41 |
| BMW 3 Series | H7 | 53 |
| Nissan GTR | 51 | 29 |
| Chev Corvette | 75 | 33 |
The average 12 volt car battery weighs 40 pounds.
Why are car batteries so heavy?
If you have ever changed a car battery, you know how heavy they are to carry.
Lifting a 40 or more pound battery out of the engine compartment of a car is not an easy task.
The reason why these batteries are so heavy is they contain lead which is very heavy compared to other liquids.
If you were to remove all of the lead inside the battery, the change in weight can be as much as 25 pounds.
Most of the battery weight is due to the lead used inside the battery and not the battery itself.
The body of the battery is light compared to the lead inside.
How much does a car battery weigh in grams?
If you consider the average 12-volt car battery weighs 40 pounds, this is equal to 18143.7 grams.
How much does an electric car battery weigh?
The batteries used in electric cars are considerably less than a regular 12-volt car battery. On average, an electric car battery weighs around 20 pounds which is half of a 12-volt battery.
Why battery size and weight is important
The vehicle manufacturer will recommend the proper battery to use in a specific model. This information can be found in the owner’s manual.
It’s crucial that you use the recommended battery size and weight for your vehicle.
The battery and alternator need to be properly matched to the vehicle’s power requirements.
If they are not matched, and you choose a smaller battery size than needed, you could overheat and damage the alternator which will shorten its life.
If you choose an oversized battery, not only could you have problems starting the engine, but there will not be enough space in the battery compartment to fit it.
Even if the engine runs with an oversized battery, it will have a negative effect on the vehicle’s functionality.
Using an oversized battery can be a safety hazard as well. If the battery is too big for the space under the hood, it’s possible for the battery terminals to contact the hood or other metal parts causing a spark or fire.
If you are in a situation where you need to use a larger than normal battery, contact the garage and ask a certified mechanic if it’s possible.
