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)
- Car Battery Types in China Comparison
- Car Battery Size & Fitment Size China
- Best Car Battery Brands in China
- Where to Buy Car Battery in China
- Buying Car Battery in China Guide and Tips
- Car Battery China FAQs
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.
ACDelco Gold 48AGM (88864541) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 48 Battery
Mighty Max Battery MM-G35 Start and Stop Car BCI Group Size 35 12V 55Ah, 100RC, 650 CCA Rechargeable AGM Car Battery
ACDelco Gold 94RAGM (88864542) 36 Month Warranty AGM BCI Group 94R Battery
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
Nationwide chain; online booking with door‑to‑door install in many cities. Browse batteries and arrange fitment via the app/site.
Backed by JD logistics; offers on‑site or in‑store installs and coding for start‑stop vehicles.
Independent workshops under Bosch network; strong diagnostics and AGM/EFB know‑how.
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.