This guide focuses on Scania heavy trucks and buses (P/G/R/S series; older 4‑series; K/N/C‑series buses). Most Scania road vehicles run a 24V system using two 12V batteries in series. Always match capacity, construction (EFB/AGM), physical size, and terminal layout to your VIN build sheet or the tray dimensions. When you’re ready to compare, jump directly to curated searches: Group 31 AGM (North America), DIN 642 ~200Ah (EU HGV), DIN 629 ~180Ah, H8/L5 AGM (aux/coach bays), and 12V 100Ah AGM (auxiliary).

Table of Contents

Quick Picks for Scania Owners (By Use Case)

  • Long‑haul tractors (R/S‑series) with hotel loads & start‑stop/idling laws: AGM commercial pair, high cycle life. Try Group 31 AGM or DIN 642 AGM. ~$220–$370 each.
  • Construction/off‑road (P/G‑series) with high vibration: AGM or rugged EFB. See heavy‑duty AGM and EFB truck. ~$180–$330 each.
  • Distribution/urban delivery with frequent stops: EFB commercial for charge‑acceptance. Browse EFB. ~$170–$280 each.
  • Extreme cold operations: Highest CCA available in your size. High‑CCA AGM. Consider heated battery boxes if applicable.
  • Coach/bus (K/N‑series) with auxiliary electronics (A/C, lifts, infotainment):
    Starter pair: AGM. Aux bank: deep‑cycle AGM.
    12V 100Ah AGM or H8/L5 AGM for bays.
  • Budget refresh on older 4‑series (no hotel loads): Quality flooded commercial meeting OE Ah/CCA. Group 31 flooded or DIN 629. ~$140–$220 each.

Top Battery Types for Scanias (What to Choose & Why)

Type Best For Typical Specs Approx. Price (each) Shop
Flooded (Lead‑Acid) – Commercial Older trucks; low accessory loads; mild climates 140–225Ah, 800–1200 CCA $140–$220 Group 31 | DIN 629
EFB (Enhanced Flooded) Frequent stop/start; delivery; moderate hotel loads 160–200Ah, higher cycle life than flooded $170–$280 Commercial EFB
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) – Starter Long‑haul with hotel loads; high vibration; cold climates 180–225Ah, 900–1400 CCA; fast charge acceptance $220–$370 Group 31 AGM | DIN 642 AGM
AGM Deep‑Cycle (Auxiliary) Bus/coach aux banks, inverters, tail‑lift packs 70–200Ah per 12V module; low internal resistance $160–$350 Deep‑cycle AGM

Scania Model‑Specific Buying Tips

  • S‑series / R‑series tractors: Usually twin 12V commercial batteries in series (24V). Favor AGM 200–225Ah for hotel loads and cab comfort systems. Budget builds can use EFB 180–200Ah. ~$200–$360 each.
  • G‑series / P‑series rigids: Mixed duty with PTO and body equipment; EFB is a cost‑effective upgrade from flooded. ~$170–$280 each.
  • 4‑series (older): Check tray length/height; many use DIN 629/640 in steel side trays. Keep to OE Ah and height to fit clamps. ~$160–$240 each.
  • K‑/N‑series bus/coach: Separate starter pair plus auxiliary bank for HVAC and infotainment. Consider AGM starter and deep‑cycle AGM for aux.
    Starters: DIN 642 AGM; Aux: AGM deep‑cycle 12V.
  • Cold‑region fleets: Match or exceed OE CCA by +100 where possible; add insulated covers and ensure alternator output curve matches AGM/EFB chemistry.
  • Hot‑region fleets: Heat kills batteries; prioritize RC/Ah and ventilated boxes. EFB/AGM tolerate heat and vibration better than standard flooded.

Scania Battery Fitment Cheat Sheet (Most‑Common Sizes)

Always verify hold‑down style, height, and terminal orientation before purchase. Values below are common, not universal.
Platform System Common Size Codes Typical Capacity Notes Shop
R/S‑series tractors (Euro 6) 24V (2×12V) DIN 640/642 (EU) | BCI Group 31 (NA) 190–225Ah, 1000–1400 CCA AGM preferred for hotel loads & vibration 642 ~200Ah | Grp 31 AGM
P/G‑series rigids & tippers 24V (2×12V) DIN 629/640 (EU) | Group 31 (NA) 170–200Ah, 900–1200 CCA EFB is a solid durability upgrade 629 ~180Ah
Older 4‑series 24V (2×12V) DIN 627/629 140–180Ah Check tray height/hold‑down lip 627 ~150Ah
K/N‑series buses 24V start + 12V/24V aux DIN 640/642 (start) + H8/L5 or 100Ah AGM (aux) 200–225Ah start; 70–150Ah aux Isolate aux bank; use DC‑DC charging if mixed chemistries H8/L5 AGM

Spec Targets: CCA, RC/Ah, and Warranty

CCA: Cold Cranking Amps Ah/RC: Capacity/Reserve Tech: Flooded / EFB / AGM

  • CCA: Meet or exceed OE. Cold fleets aim for +100 CCA vs. minimum.
  • Ah/RC: Higher Ah supports sleepers, parking A/C, and PTO controls with engine off.
  • Technology: If OE was EFB/AGM, don’t downgrade to standard flooded.
  • Warranty: Target 24–36 months commercial free‑replacement (region‑dependent).
  • Charge Strategy: Verify alternator profile supports AGM/EFB; slow chargers should have an AGM/EFB mode.
  • Orientation: Match terminal layout; many Scania trays use side clamp lips—height matters.

Best Car Battery Brands for Scania & Where‑to‑Buy

Brand Why It’s Good Typical Line Shop
VARTA/Clarios Strong EU presence; robust commercial AGM/EFB ProMotive AGM/EFB Search VARTA
Exide Wide EU/NA coverage; excellent cycle durability Exide StrongPro/Endurance Search Exide
Bosch Reliable EU commercial offerings; OE partnerships T5/T6 commercial Search Bosch
Odyssey (EnerSys) Premium AGM; very high CCA & vibration resistance Odyssey Commercial/Extreme Search Odyssey G31
Yuasa Trusted industrial/automotive lines; good value Yuasa Cargo/Cargo Super Heavy Duty Search Yuasa
Banner Strong in DACH/CEE; reliable DIN sizes Buffalo Bull Search Banner
  • Where to buy:
    • Dealer/fleet parts counter – VIN‑matched, install service, core handling.
    • Commercial battery specialists – Load testing, same‑day swap, recycling.
    • Online – Price and spec comparisons; verify date codes and freight terms.
  • Pro tip: For 24V trucks, replace batteries as a matched pair to avoid imbalance.

How to Check Freshness & Authenticity

  • Read the date code on the case or label; target stock ≤ 6 months old.
  • Visual check: straight case walls, intact vents, clean posts, no acid residue.
  • Open‑circuit voltage (rested): ≥12.6V (AGM often ~12.8V) before install.
  • Match labels to invoice (Ah/CCA, tech type). Beware scraped/relabeled cores.
  • Buy from reputable sellers; keep receipts and serials for warranty.

Car Battery Warranty Tips

  • Understand commercial vs. consumer terms—fleet duty may shorten coverage.
  • Keep charge logs if you idle‑free overnight (hotel loads); some policies require proof of proper charging.
  • Document alternator output and parasitic draw tests at install time.
  • Always return cores promptly to avoid fees.

Scania Car Battery Installation Guide (DIY or Shop)

  1. Park safely, apply parking brake, chock wheels, and switch off all loads.
  2. Locate the battery box (frame‑mounted tray or side locker). Open/clean area.
  3. Take photos of cabling and series links (24V = two 12V in series). Label cables.
  4. Wear PPE. Disconnect negative on both batteries, then positives. Remove the interlink last.
  5. Release hold‑downs and lift out old units. Neutralize any acid residue; clean clamps and tray.
  6. Compare new batteries: tech type, Ah/CCA, height, terminal layout. Install as a matched pair.
  7. Seat batteries; torque hold‑downs to spec (no case bulge). Install series interlink.
  8. Connect positives first, then negatives. Ensure tight, corrosion‑free connections.
  9. Program/start vehicle. Verify charging voltage (≈28.0–28.8V running; AGM typically toward upper range).
  10. Load‑test after a short drive; clear dashboard warnings if present.

Scania Car Battery Maintenance & Longevity

  • Use a quality 24V‑compatible maintainer or two synchronized 12V smart chargers (AGM/EFB mode).
  • Minimize deep discharges from hotel loads; consider separate aux bank with low‑voltage cut‑off.
  • Keep terminals tight and protected with dielectric grease (not on contact surfaces).
  • Inspect tray vibration mounts; replace perished rubbers to protect plates.
  • Test alternator ripple and voltage regularly; high ripple shortens AGM life.
  • For seasonal downtime, store fully charged and top off every 4–6 weeks.

Signs You Need a New Battery

  • Slow crank, especially after overnight hotel loads.
  • Repeated low‑voltage warnings, dim dome lights, or ECU undervoltage codes.
  • Visible case swelling, leaks, or rotten‑egg smell (overcharge).
  • Fails a professional load test or shows high internal resistance.

Contact Scania Customer Service & Support

  • Official website: scania.com
  • Find a dealer/service point: Dealer & Service Locator
  • Owner’s manuals & technical info: Check your regional Scania portal or dealer for vehicle‑specific documentation.

Scania Car Battery FAQs

What battery type does a Scania typically use?
Many Scania vehicles use heavy-duty 12V batteries in a 24V system (two 12V in series). Check your VIN/manual for the exact spec and technology (Flooded, EFB, or AGM).

Can I replace Flooded with AGM on a Scania?
Yes—AGM is generally an upgrade for vibration resistance and deep-cycle durability. Do not downgrade from AGM/EFB to standard Flooded on trucks with start-stop or high electrical demand.

Do Scania trucks have start-stop or energy management that require battery coding?
Some models use intelligent charging/BMS. If you change battery type or capacity, use a capable scan tool to register the new battery so charging profiles are correct.

What size (capacity) should I choose?
Match or exceed OE spec for Ah and CCA. Many Scania applications use high-capacity batteries (e.g., 180–225Ah combined at 24V) depending on model, climate, and auxiliary loads.

How long should a Scania car battery last?
Typically 3–5 years in mixed duty. Harsh climates, frequent short trips, high parasitic loads, and heavy vibration can shorten life to 2–4 years; long highway runs and maintenance charging can extend it.

How much is a Scania car battery?
Expect roughly $150–$350 per 12V battery for quality Flooded/EFB and $250–$500 for AGM, with most trucks needing two batteries (totaling $300–$1,000+ depending on brand/spec).

How do I know if my Scania batteries are failing?
Hard starts, dim lights, slow cranking after rest periods, frequent DPF/AdBlue or electrical warnings, and resting voltage repeatedly under ~12.4V (per battery) are common signs.

Should I replace both batteries at once?
Yes—on 24V systems replace batteries as a matched pair (same brand, age, capacity) to avoid imbalance and premature failure.

What maintenance helps Scania battery life?
Keep terminals clean/tight, secure clamps to reduce vibration, use an appropriate smart charger during long downtime, and fix parasitic draws. Verify alternator output and chassis grounds.

Can I mix different battery brands or ages?
Avoid mixing. Mismatched internal resistance and capacity stresses both batteries and can shorten service life.

Bottom Line

For most modern R/S‑series tractors and K‑series coaches, a matched pair of AGM 200–225Ah batteries provides the best blend of cranking power, cycle life, and vibration resistance. For mixed‑duty P/G‑series, EFB 180–200Ah offers strong value. Always replace in pairs, verify tray dimensions and terminal orientation, and ensure your charging system is AGM/EFB‑compatible.
Best Car Battery for Scania – Top Picks for Every Model