From Zürich’s stop‑and‑go to snowy alpine passes, Swiss conditions punish weak batteries. This guide shows how to choose the right type (EFB vs AGM), pick the correct size, typical CHF prices, reputable brands, and the best places to buy across Switzerland. Quick compare and browse AGM options, EFB start‑stop batteries, and handy tools like a smart charger.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks (By Use Case)

  • Daily commuter (no idle‑stop/start): Quality Flooded or EFB. Compare 60–70Ah EFB. ~CHF 120–220
  • Cars with idle‑stop/start (most Swiss city cars): EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM. ~CHF 170–380
  • Alpine/winter use (Grisons/Valais trips): AGM with higher CCA. See high‑CCA AGM.
  • 4×4/SUV & towing: AGM starting battery or dual system (starter + auxiliary). Check 12V deep‑cycle AGM and a DC‑DC charger.
  • Short‑trip urban use (Zürich/Geneva): AGM recommended; top up monthly with a smart maintainer.
  • Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher RC/Ah and voltage stability. Compare high‑reserve AGM (70–95Ah).

Car Battery Types in Switzerland Comparison

Type Best For Typical Ah / CCA Pros Watch‑outs Shop
Flooded (Wet) Older cars without idle‑stop 44–70Ah / 360–600 CCA Lowest price, widely available Lower cycle life; not for start‑stop Browse 60Ah
EFB Start‑stop city cars (Fiat, VW, Toyota) 60–80Ah / 560–720 CCA Designed for frequent restarts; good value Less robust than AGM in deep cold Compare EFB
AGM Premium/start‑stop, winter, performance 70–95Ah / 700–950 CCA High CCA, vibration‑resistant, spill‑proof Higher price; needs compatible charging Shop AGM
AGM Deep‑Cycle (Aux) Campers, fridges, winches (aux battery) 80–120Ah / High RC Long reserve capacity; safe indoors Use with DC‑DC charger; not for engine start (unless specified) See deep‑cycle

Car Battery Size & Fitment Size Switzerland

Common EU Size (EN) Alias Typical Ah Example Vehicles in CH Notes / Links
H4 / L2 242×175×175 mm 52–60Ah VW Polo, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris Shop H4/L2
H5 / L2 tall 242×175×190 mm 60–65Ah Skoda Fabia, BMW 1‑Series (some) Search size
H6 / L3 278×175×175 mm 60–75Ah VW Golf/Octavia, Audi A3, Mercedes A/B Shop H6/L3
H7 / L4 315×175×175 mm 80–95Ah BMW 3/5‑Series, Audi A4/A6, Volvo V60 Shop H7/L4
H8 / L5 353×175×175 mm 95–110Ah Large diesel/SUV (X5, Q7, Touareg) Shop H8/L5

Best Car Battery Brands in Switzerland

  • VARTA: German brand widely stocked; excellent AGM/EFB ranges for European cars. Typical ~CHF 170–360. Compare Varta AGM.
  • Bosch: Strong cold‑cranking and reliability; S4/S5 (Flooded) and S5 A/S6 (AGM/EFB). ~CHF 140–350. See Bosch AGM/EFB.
  • Exide/Tudor: OE supplier with robust EFB and AGM lines; good value. ~CHF 150–320. Browse Exide AGM.
  • Banner: Austrian brand popular in CH garages; high‑CCA units for cold starts. ~CHF 150–330. Search Banner AGM.
  • Optima (AGM Spiral): Premium, vibration‑proof (off‑road/audio). ~CHF 220–450. Compare Optima 12V.
  • Yuasa: Known for motorcycles; also automotive fitments, good longevity. ~CHF 140–280. See Yuasa car.

Where to Buy Car Battery in Switzerland

  • Fastest National chains (fitment + coding): AMAG garages, Euromaster, Pneu Egger, large dealerships.
  • Best price Auto‑parts wholesalers (Technomag, Derendinger) and online marketplaces.
  • DIY Order online; use a memory saver and smart charger to avoid ECU resets.
  • AMAG (nationwide garages)
  • Service & battery checks; use the locator to book near you: Find AMAG dealer.
  • Contact: via local AMAG pages | Battery service info: Battery service
  • Hours: Vary by site (check locator)
  • Euromaster Genève (Meyrin)
  • Chemin de l’Epinglier 7, 1217 Meyrin, Geneva
  • Contact: 022 782 77 81 | Website
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 07:30–12:00 & 13:30–17:30; Sat–Sun Closed
  • Euromaster Genève (Balexert)
  • Balexert Centre, Geneva
  • Contact: 022 796 05 75
  • Hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00; Fri 08:00–16:30; Sat–Sun Closed
  • Pneu Egger Aarau
  • Wässermattstrasse 3, 5001 Aarau
  • Contact: 058 200 79 90 | Website
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 07:30–12:00 & 13:30–18:00 (check site for updates)
  • Technomag (Zürich/Schlieren branch)
  • Unterrohrstrasse 3, 8952 Schlieren (Zürich area)
  • Contact: 044 849 71 10
  • Hours: Check local listing
  • Derendinger AG (Zürich Altstetten)
  • Farbhofstrasse 21, 8048 Zürich
  • Contact: 044 439 56 10 | filza@derendinger.ch
  • Hours: Check local listing

Buying Car Battery in Switzerland Guide and Tips

  • Match type to system: Cars with idle‑stop/start need EFB or AGM. Don’t downgrade to Flooded.
  • Size matters: Use the EU H‑code (H4–H8). If between sizes, choose the higher Ah and CCA that fits your tray and hold‑down.
  • Cold starts: For alpine/winter regions (–10 °C and below), prioritize higher CCA and AGM chemistry.
  • Coding/registration: Many BMW/Audi/VW models require battery registration in the ECU after replacement. Ask the garage or use an OBD tool.
  • Warranty & date code: Look for 2–3 year warranties and fresh stock (manufactured within ~6–9 months).
  • Charging profile: Maintainers should support AGM/EFB modes. See AGM‑capable chargers.
  • Price ranges (CHF): Flooded 100–180; EFB 150–260; AGM 220–380; fitting/coding +CHF 30–120.
  • Recycling is easy: Swiss law requires sellers/collection sites to take back used automotive batteries free of charge; most garages handle it when they fit the new one.

Car Battery Switzerland FAQs

How do I know if my Swiss‑market car needs EFB or AGM?
Check your owner’s manual and the label on the existing battery. Any car with factory idle‑stop/start requires EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Many premium models (Audi/BMW/Mercedes) specify AGM.

Can I replace an EFB with AGM?
Yes—AGM is an upgrade path for most start‑stop cars if the charging system supports it. Never downgrade from EFB/AGM to Flooded.

How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in Switzerland?
Parts + labor: Flooded CHF 130–240, EFB CHF 180–320, AGM CHF 260–420. Add CHF 30–120 for fitting/coding depending on vehicle complexity.

What’s the typical car battery warranty in Switzerland?
Most reputable brands/garages offer 2 years; some premium AGM models extend to 3 years. Keep your invoice and ask for pro‑rata terms.

How are car batteries recycled in Switzerland?
Sellers and official collection points must take back used automotive batteries free of charge; materials (lead, plastic, acid) are recovered by licensed companies and often processed in OECD/EU facilities meeting Swiss standards. Learn more from the Federal Office for the Environment and take‑back schemes.

Can a maintainer really extend battery life for short‑trip city driving?
Yes. Monthly overnight charging with a smart maintainer restores state of charge and reduces sulfation—especially if your commute is short.

Do I need battery coding?
If your vehicle monitors battery state (many BMW/Audi/VW/Volvo), coding/registration helps the alternator charge correctly and preserves idle‑stop/start behavior.

What size fits my car?
Use the H‑code (H4–H8) on your old battery, or search by car model/engine. When in doubt, measure tray space and match terminal layout and hold‑down.

Bottom line:
In Switzerland, choose EFB for value or AGM for maximum cold‑start reliability, match the EU size (H‑code), and buy from a chain that can install and code the battery. Keep a smart maintainer in the garage—your next winter start will thank you.

Best Car Battery in Switzerland: Top Brands & Where to Buy