H6 vs H7 Battery (What Is the Difference)

Published on: June 13, 2022
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Is it okay to use any size for a replacement battery? Of course, not. Without using the right side of the battery, you can’t enjoy the battery performance. Fortunately, manufacturers offer batteries including an easy size structure. This is because users can easily realize which size fits them.  

Now, the question is, are H6 and H7 batteries similar or interchangeable? Both have the same width and height but the length is different. H6 and H7 batteries are more powerful and suitable for most car battery trays. Desire to know everything about H6 vs H7 batteries?

Please, go through this article. This article looks at the brief to a detailed comparison of H6 vs H7. 

First, we discuss some basic info about the H6 battery and H7 battery. 

H6 Batteries 

H6 batteries are familiar with group 48, L3, and 66L3 batteries and commonly used in marine, automotive, and light industries. Also, suitable for use in several electric and electronic devices either starting or dual-purpose batteries. Modern H6 batteries are maintenance-free, spill-proof AGM batteries that are mechanical shocks free and vibration-resistance. 

Standard H6 batteries have physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 278 x 175 x 190 mm that is relatively similar to the standard DIN H6 battery and EN 66L3 battery. 

Alternatively, BCI Group 48 battery features dimensions of (12 1/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 9/16 inches) 306 x 175 x 192 mm and BCI Group 98R battery comes with physical dimensions of (11 3/16 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches) 283 x 175 x 190 mm. This is because H6 batteries are a little shorter than BCI Group 48 batteries and BCI Group 98R batteries. 

The amazing thing is that H6 batteries are capable of performing instead of group 48 batteries and group 98R batteries. But, it is nearly impossible to fit your group 48 and group 98R batteries for the H6 battery compartment. 

H7 Batteries

H7 batteries are used in a variety of vehicles from automobiles to light commercial vehicles. These batteries are available in the starting/cranking and dual-purpose batteries.

They are very similar to the Group 94R batteries though known as L4, and LN4 batteries. Just as with the H7 battery, you may use a Group 94R battery. The feature of the H7 physical dimensions of (L x W x H) 315 x 175 x 190 mm. Where BCI Group 94R batteries have (12 3/8 x 6 7/8 x 7 1/2 inches) 315 x 175 x 190 mm). For this reason, H7 and BCI Group 94R batteries can be interchangeable

What Is the Difference Between H6 and H7 Batteries?

Though H6 and H7 batteries have some similar features, they are not the same and their performance is not equal. The most noticeable differences between H6 and H7 batteries are the physical dimensions, Cranking Amps (CCA), Reserve Capacity (RC), and price vary. Here is a head-to-head comparison of H6 vs H7 batteries. 

Physical Size

The physical size of the H6 battery is 278 x 175 x 190 mm and the H7 battery is 315 x 175 x 190 mm. Both have the same width that means 75 mm and the same height like 190 mm. But, the length is not similar. H7 batteries are 37 mm longer than H6. To ensure the length difference, you have to look at the battery label on the front. 

Reserve Capacity (RC)

The reserve capacity is an exceptional thing to find the actual differences between H6 and H7 batteries. RC helps to measure the number of your battery services if it doesn’t charge from the alternator. That means how long a battery can perform. In this case, before going through the minimum voltage,  the standard constant amps is 25. The larger the battery, the better RC values. So, H7 can be a little greater than the H6 one although it is important to check the battery quality of the internal components. 

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

This, however, is another one to compare the difference between H6 and H7 batteries. Yes, CCA indicates the battery’s capacity of starting an engine in rough environments. You can find the number of amps of your battery while it is supplying at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds. 

The general thing, if your battery is larger, the CCA value is better. In this case, the H6 battery is quite shorter than the H7 battery. So, H7 can be better. Battery technology is also crucial to justify the quality. 

Prices

Price is dependent on the battery quality and brands. H6 and H7 batteries come with several brands along with multiple prices. Remember, you can find an H6 battery at a cheap price. Depending on size, power, and quality, prices for an average of the H6 and H7 battery range from about $45 to $250.

Comparison Chart: H6 Vs H7

Generally, H6, H7, group 48, and group 94R batteries are utilized in automotive to light industrial applications. They can be starting/cranking and dual-purpose batteries. Here is a comparison chart of H6 vs H7 batteries. 

First, we focus on some popular H6 or group 48 batteries including important features. 

Product Name	Types of Battery	Chemistry	RC	CCA	MCA	Ah	Weight(Ibs)	Weight(kg)
ACDelco 48AGM Professional	Starting	AGM	120	760	–	70	45.5 lbs	20.6 kg
Delphi BU9048 MaxStart	Starting	AGM	120	760	–	70	45.5 lbs	20.6 kg
NorthStar NSB-AGM48	Dual Purpose	AGM	135	775	880	69	48 lbs	21.8 kg
Odyssey Battery	Dual Purpose	AGM	130	723	842	69	49 lbs	22 kg
XS Power D4800	Dual Purpose	AGM	120	—	815	60	47.6 lbs	21.6 kg
Optima Batteries DH6 YellowTop	Dual Purpose	AGM	140	800	928	72	54 lbs	24.5 kg

So, H6 batteries feature an average nominal capacity from 60 to 72 Ah and RC value is between 120 and 140 minutes. Plus, the MCA range starts from 800 and ends up at 930, the CCA rating is 720 to 800 Amps, and the around weight is 45 to 54 pounds. 

Conversely, H7 batteries or group 94R batteries come from several popular brands & models. The following comparison table supports understanding the most popular H7 battery’s features. 

Product Name	Types	Chemistry	RC	CCA	MCA	Ah	Weight(Ibs)	Weight(kg)
ACDelco Gold 94RAGM	Dual Purpose	AGM	140	850	–	80	51.6 lbs	23.4 kg
Deka 9A94R AGM	Dual Purpose	AGM	140	800	–	80	51.5 lbs	23.3 kg
Delphi BU9094R MaxStart	Dual Purpose	AGM	140	800	–	80	52 lbs	23.6 kg
Exide Edge FP-AGML4/94R	Dual Purpose	AGM	140	800	–	80	53.3 lbs	24.1 kg
Odyssey Battery 94R-850	Dual Purpose	AGM	150	850	—	80	54.8 lbs	24.9 kg
NorthStar Pure lead NSB-AGM94R	Dual Purpose	AGM	158	840	1030	76	57 lbs	25.8 kg

So, H7 or Group 94R batteries have an average capacity between 76 and 80 Ah and a Reserve Capacity value of 140 to 160 minutes. On the other hand, the CCA rate is starting at 800 and ends up at 850 amps where the weight is 51 pounds to 57 pounds.

To compare the two types of batteries, we say, the H7 battery stays in a better position with stronger starting currents, larger capacity, and higher RC values. 

FAQs 

Can I Use An H7 Battery Instead of An H6?

An H7 battery is relatively similar except for its physical size. You can use an H7 battery instead of an H6 depending on the space. Remember that the H6 battery is weaker. 

What Does H6 Mean on A Battery?

H6 indicates the DIN battery size. It is also known as a group 48 battery. This battery is great for your automobile industry. For example, the H6 OPTIMA battery comes with 800 cold cranking and good capacity.

Outro

So, before replacing the battery, you should check the actual size, battery type, terminal type & orientation, battery chemistry, and so on. H6 and H7 batteries are perfect workforces for a wide variety of purposes. The main difference is their physical size. The H7 battery is quite heavier than the H6 battery. Sometimes it can be possible to use an H7 battery instead of an H6. But, not always. 

Featured image credit: Amazon.com

Relevant Resources:

• H7 vs H8 Batteries – Similarities and Differences