BCI Group Batteries

Are you looking for an Automotive,Marine,Commercial or aGolf Cart battery? You may have heard common terms like "group 31 battery" or "type 27 marine battery". These numbers are referring to the Battery Council International (BCI) Group Number of the battery. This classification defines the physical dimensions of the battery case. This is important as some applications call for specific case sizes. Group size is typically based on your vehicle’s make, model and/or engine type. Although some vehicles may accommodate a battery from more than one group size, it is important that you use a battery approved for use in your vehicle.

While the BCI does not determine the Amp Hours (AH) rating for the batteries, there is a correlation between case size and AH rating. For deep cycle batteries, the larger the case size the more capacity the battery will usually have.

Nevertheless, knowing the correct BCI group battery size helps to find new battery replacement though identifying only the BCI group size is often not enough. Batteries also differ by their:

- purpose: starting, dual purpose, deep cycle

- cell type: AGM, gel cell, flooded cell

- chemistry: lead-acid, NiCd, NiMH, lithium, etc.

Other important information includes details like terminals type, number, and orientation, battery maintenance, housing material, etc.

Identifying all this information significantly helps to find a proper battery replacement.

Some of the most common battery groups are listed below with their dimensions in inches:

BCI Group 24 – L 10.16 x W 6.69 x H 9.02

BCI Group 27 – L 12.60 x W 6.61 x H 9.25

BCI Group 31 – L 12.90 x W 6.73 x H 9.33

When replacing the old battery make sure the new one is of the same chemistry as the old one and it has the same or better electrical features.

Various BCI battery groups differ by only a fraction of an inch and they may be interchangeable if and only if the new battery meets the following conditions:

- can fit your battery compartment with correctly oriented terminals,

- have the same or better specifications/features than the old battery,

- can be properly charged.

However, even then be sure to check with our professional Customer Service whether the replacement with another battery group is a safe option. If not, then there is a high chance the operation of the new battery to cause damage, injuries, or other serious issues.

Consult a replacement guide to find the battery group size that best works in your vehicle. Furthermore, make sure your new battery will fit and be held down properly according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

If in doubt which one is the correct battery for you, do not hesitate to contact us – we will be more than happy to assist you!