China’s mega-cities, humid summers, northern winters, and frequent short-trip driving are tough on batteries. This guide covers battery types (EFB/AGM), China fitment sizes (JIS/DIN), realistic RMB pricing, and trusted places to buy and install—plus handy Amazon searches for maintainers, jump starters, and specific battery types. Quick compare for AGM options, EFB start–stop batteries, and a smart battery maintainer to extend life in stop‑start traffic.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks (By Use Case)

  • Daily commuter (non‑start/stop): Quality flooded (SMF) or EFB. Compare JIS 55D23L / DIN L2 (60Ah). ~¥600–¥1,200 RMB installed.
  • Cars with idle‑stop/start (大众/丰田/本田等): Choose EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM. ~¥1,000–¥2,300 RMB installed.
  • Cold‑region use (东北/川西高海拔): AGM with higher CCA (cold cranking amps). Shortlist high‑CCA AGM.
  • Short‑trip city driving (频繁熄火/红绿灯): AGM or EFB plus a smart maintainer to keep state of charge healthy.
  • Off‑road/overlanding & camping: Start battery + auxiliary deep‑cycle. See 12V deep‑cycle AGM and add a DC‑DC charger.
  • Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher RC/Ah and tight voltage stability. Check high‑reserve AGM.
  • Emergency kit add‑ons: Carry a compact jump starter and OBD memory saver for battery swaps.

Car Battery Types in China Comparison

Type Best For Pros Watch‑outs Typical Price (RMB) Shop
Flooded/SMF Older/non‑start‑stop sedans, taxis Lowest cost, easy to source Lower cycle life; hates heat/short trips ¥450–¥900 Compare SMF
EFB Most idle‑stop/start vehicles Improved cycle life vs. flooded; value pick Not as robust as AGM; check coding needs ¥750–¥1,500 Shop EFB
AGM Premium/start‑stop, cold regions, audio High CCA, spill‑proof, strong reserve Higher price; needs smart charging ¥1,200–¥2,600 Shop AGM
LiFePO₄ (12V SLI‑replacement) Special builds/weight‑sensitive use Very light, deep‑cycle capable Not for all alternators/ECUs; higher cost ¥2,000–¥4,500 Explore LiFePO₄
Tip: Keep a smart charger and CCA tester at home to verify health during extreme seasons.

Car Battery Size & Fitment Size China

Standard Common Codes (China) Typical Vehicles Notes Find/Shop
JIS (Japanese) 46B24R/L, 55D23L, 80D26L, Q‑85 (i‑Stop) Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda made‑in‑China Mind the R/L terminal layout; height is lower than DIN 55D23L, 46B24R
DIN/EN (European) L2/H5 (60Ah), L3/H6 (70–75Ah), L4/H7 (80–95Ah) VW/Skoda/Audi, BMW, Mercedes (中外合资) Many start‑stop cars require EFB/AGM and coding after replacement DIN L2, H6/L3 AGM
BCI (U.S.) Group 35, 24F, 34R Imported models/parallel imports Check tray size and clamps; may need adapter Group 35, 24F
Always confirm by VIN or owner’s manual. If unsure, search your code (e.g., EFB H6) and match specs: Ah, CCA, dimensions, terminal layout.

Best Car Battery Brands in China

  • Sail (风帆): Legacy Chinese brand widely fitted on domestic and joint‑venture cars. Offers SMF, EFB, AGM. Typical retail ~¥500–¥1,600 depending on size/tech.
  • Camel (骆驼): Large China manufacturer with broad coverage from economy SMF to start‑stop EFB/AGM. Typical ~¥480–¥1,900.
  • VARTA (瓦尔塔): Premium AGM/EFB options commonly used by European marques in China. Typical ~¥900–¥2,600.
  • Leoch (理士): Known for industrial/VRLA; also offers automotive SLI lines in China. Value‑focused ~¥450–¥1,200.
  • GS/Yuasa: Japanese supplier with AGM/EFB fitments for JIS sizes; good for Toyota/Mazda/Nissan platforms. ~¥800–¥2,200.
  • Exide: Global supplier with DIN and JIS sizes present in Tier‑1 cities; solid mid‑range pricing ~¥700–¥1,800.

Where to Buy Car Battery in China

  • Tuhu Car Service (途虎养车)
    Nationwide chain; online booking with door‑to‑door install in many cities. Browse batteries and arrange fitment via the app/site.
  • JD Auto Service (京东养车)
    Backed by JD logistics; offers on‑site or in‑store installs and coding for start‑stop vehicles.
  • Bosch Car Service (博世汽车服务)
    Independent workshops under Bosch network; strong diagnostics and AGM/EFB know‑how.
  • 4S Dealerships
    Best when your vehicle needs coding, battery registration, or is under warranty.
    • Tuhu Workshop — Hongqiao Business District (Shanghai)
    • Address: Minhang District, ~60m south of Zhongjun Plaza on Ninghong Rd, Shanghai
    • Contact: 135‑8571‑2007
    • Hours: Typically 09:00–20:00 (check app for exact)
    • JD Auto Service — Zhichun Rd (Beijing)
    • Address: Parking garage of JD Technology Tower, No. 76 Zhichun Rd, Haidian District, Beijing
    • Contact: 136‑2134‑7709
    • Hours: Often 09:00–19:00 (confirm on listing)
    • Bosch Car Service — Haizhu (Guangzhou)
    • Address: No. 80 Jinhui Rd, Ruibao Sub‑district, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
    • Contact: —
    • Hours: — (call ahead)

    Buying Car Battery in China Guide and Tips

    • Match the spec exactly: Size (JIS/DIN/BCI), Ah/RC, and CCA. Start‑stop cars must use EFB/AGM and often require battery coding/registration after install.
    • Check build date: Prefer stock < 6 months old. Ask the shop to show the stamp or QR manufacturing code.
    • Installation matters: Use a memory saver so windows, radio codes, and throttle adaptives are preserved.
    • Charging profile: If you do short trips, top up monthly with a smart charger (AGM‑safe).
    • Warranty & receipts: Commonly 12–36 months. Keep e‑invoices/QR warranty cards; nationwide chains honor at multiple locations.
    • Climate choice: In very cold northern winters, prioritize higher CCA and AGM; in hot southern cities, ensure good ventilation and heat shielding.
    • Recycling: Trade‑in your old battery for a core credit; reputable chains handle regulated recycling.

    Car Battery China FAQs

    How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in China?
    Most city installs land around ¥600–¥1,200 for SMF, ¥900–¥1,500 for EFB, and ¥1,400–¥2,600 for AGM (includes installation and basic coding if required).

    What’s the typical car battery warranty in China?
    Common coverage ranges 12–24 months for SMF/EFB and up to 36 months on some AGM lines; confirm brand and service‑network terms.

    How are car batteries recycled in China?
    Authorized shops collect the old unit and channel it to licensed recyclers; customers often receive a core return discount when handing in the old battery.

    Which battery is best for start‑stop cars in China?
    Use EFB for value or AGM for maximum durability; avoid downgrading to basic flooded types to prevent early failure and system errors.

    Do I need ECU coding after a battery change?
    Many European and newer Chinese/Japanese models require battery registration/coding so the charging system knows the new capacity and chemistry.

    What accessories help battery life in city traffic?
    A maintainer, a CCA tester, and a jump starter.

    Bottom Line

    Match your vehicle’s standard (JIS/DIN/BCI) and chemistry (EFB/AGM for start‑stop), verify CCA/Ah, and buy from a network that can code the battery and honor nationwide warranty. For commuters in China’s big cities, an EFB or AGM plus a smart maintainer is the sweet spot.

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