Updated for Malagasy road realities: heat, salt air on the coasts, rain/monsoon seasons, rough pistes, and lots of short urban trips in Antananarivo (Tana). This guide covers battery types, sizes common to Madagascar imports (JIS/DIN), trusted brands, local shops, and buying tips—plus useful tools like smart chargers and jump starters.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks (By Use Case)
- Car Battery Types in Madagascar Comparison
- Car Battery Size & Fitment Size Madagascar
- Best Car Battery Brands in Madagascar
- Where to Buy Car Battery in Madagascar
- Buying Car Battery in Madagascar Guide and Tips
- Car Battery Madagascar FAQs
Quick Picks (By Use Case)
- Daily commuter in Antananarivo (no idle stop/start): Quality Flooded (SMF) or JIS EFB in the right size. Compare 55D23L/55D23R and 60B24.
- Vehicles with idle stop/start (newer imports): EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM.
- 4×4, coastal, & piste travel (Hilux, Pajero, Patrol): AGM starting battery or dual setup (starter + deep-cycle). See 12V deep-cycle AGM and pair with a DC–DC charger.
- Heavy traffic & short trips (Tana hills): AGM or EFB, and maintain with a smart maintainer.
- Cold highlands & early-morning starts: AGM with higher CCA. Shortlist high‑CCA AGM.
- Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher RC/Ah and stable voltage. Check high‑reserve AGM.
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 Madagascar Comparison
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Notes / Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooded (SMF) | Older cars, basic commuters | Lowest price, widely available | Lower vibration & heat tolerance | Compare SMF |
| EFB | Idle stop/start systems | Better cycle life than Flooded | Costs more than SMF | EFB options |
| AGM | 4×4, audio builds, premium sedans | High CCA, sealed, vibration‑resistant | Higher price; needs correct charging | AGM selections |
| Gel/Deep‑Cycle (12V) | Auxiliary/fridge, camping, dual systems | Deep discharge tolerant | Not ideal as sole starter battery | Gel deep‑cycle |
Car Battery Size & Fitment Size Madagascar
| Common Import | Typical Size Code | Polarity | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese (Toyota, Nissan, Mazda) | 55D23L/R, 60B24L/R, 46B24, 95D31 | L or R (JIS) | Check tray height and hold‑down. Many hybrids/stop‑start use EFB/AGM. | 55D23 · 95D31 |
| European (Peugeot, Renault, VW) | DIN H5/H6/H7 (L2/L3/L4), LBN1–LBN4 | Euro posts | Measure length/width/height; watch for IBS sensors on negative terminal. | DIN H5 · L3/H6 AGM |
| 4×4/Light truck (Hilux, Land Cruiser) | N70, 95D31, DIN H7 | Varies | For dual setups, use starter + deep‑cycle with isolator/DC–DC charger. | N70 AGM |
Best Car Battery Brands in Madagascar
- Bosch: Widely trusted for AGM/EFB and flooded lines; good vibration resistance for Malagasy roads. Mid‑to‑premium pricing. Compare Bosch AGM.
- Exide: Strong value across SMF/EFB/AGM; common on European/Japanese fitments. See Exide options.
- VARTA: Premium AGM/EFB with excellent cold‑start and cycle life; ideal for stop‑start imports. Browse VARTA AGM.
- Yuasa/GS: Reliable JIS sizes for Japanese models; good availability in 55D23/60B24/95D31 formats. Check Yuasa.
- Amaron: Durable SMF and some EFB/AGM entries; attractive value where available. See Amaron.
Where to Buy Car Battery in Madagascar
- LE MATÉRIEL AUTOMOBILE ET INDUSTRIEL (MATERAUTO)
- Route des Hydrocarbures, 101 Antananarivo
- Contact: +261 20 22 233 39
- Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
- CT Motors — Head Office (Bosch partner)
- Lot 59 bis, IVV Andraharo, 101 Antananarivo
- Contact: +261 20 23 320 52
- Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
- CT Motors — Toliara Branch
- BP 569, Ankilimarovatsy, 601 Toliara
- Contact: +261 34 07 961 82
- Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
- Namana Pneu (Tires & Batteries)
- By‑Pass, Antananarivo 101
- Contact: +261 34 67 377 08
- Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
- Auto Plus (Tires & Batteries)
- Antananarivo (city center)
- Contact: 032 03 066 65
- Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
- Rasseta Énergie Solaire (Batteries & Chargers)
- Antananarivo
- Contact: +261 33 317 07 77
- Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
- Online: Ubuy Madagascar (select imported brands)
- Website: Ubuy.mg — search: Automotive 12V batteries, AGM deep‑cycle, testers.
- Contact: Online support
- Hours: 24/7 ordering
Buying Car Battery in Madagascar Guide and Tips
- Match size & polarity: Take a photo of your battery label and measure the tray. Common JIS: 55D23, 60B24, 95D31; DIN: H5/H6/H7.
- Check CCA & Ah: For highlands/mornings, favor higher CCA. For short‑trip urban use, more Ah/RC helps.
- Choose EFB/AGM if you have stop/start: Standard SMF will fail early in these cars. Verify under the hood sticker or owner’s manual.
- Mind heat & vibration: If you drive RN2/RN7 or unpaved roads often, prefer AGM and add extra hold‑down padding.
- Charging system health: Before blaming the battery, test alternator & voltage (engine on: ~13.8–14.7V). Consider a multimeter and battery tester.
- Warranty & date code: Ask for stamped install date and warranty card (typical 12–24 months). Avoid stock older than 6–9 months.
- Power cuts at home? Keep a smart maintainer if the car sits for weeks.
- Dual battery for camping: Use a DC–DC charger between start and aux batteries to protect the alternator and ensure full AGM charging.
- Core return: Bring your old battery to avoid environmental fees and to ensure proper recycling.
Car Battery Madagascar FAQs
How do I know my battery is failing?
Longer cranking, dim lights at idle, start/stop disabled warnings, or voltage below ~12.3V after sitting overnight are classic signs. Test with a battery tester.
Which is better for Madagascar—EFB or AGM?
For stop/start cars, EFB is minimum; AGM is tougher for heat, vibration, and short trips. For 4x4s and coastal routes, AGM is worth it.
Can I replace an AGM with an SMF battery?
Not recommended in cars designed for EFB/AGM; it will likely fail early and can confuse charging systems/IBS sensors.
How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in Madagascar?
Expect roughly MGA 450,000–1,600,000+ depending on size (JIS/DIN), brand, and whether it is EFB/AGM. Installation at local shops is often included or ~MGA 20,000–60,000.
What’s the typical car battery warranty in Madagascar?
Most reputable outlets offer 12–18 months on SMF and up to 24 months on quality EFB/AGM. Always request a stamped card and keep the invoice.
How are car batteries recycled in Madagascar?
Return the old unit to the seller (core return). Many shops send used batteries to accredited recyclers/smelters. Never dump lead‑acid; it is hazardous.
Bottom Line
- Best overall for Tana commuters: EFB in the correct JIS/DIN sizeBest for rough roads/touring: AGMAlways verify size, polarity, and warranty
- If unsure, bring the old battery to the shop to match posts/height, and keep a maintainer at home to extend life.