From steep island roads in Mahé to salty sea air in Praslin and La Digue, Seychelles’ tropical heat, humidity, and short-trip driving are tough on batteries. This guide explains what to choose for our climate, how to get the right size, expected price ranges (SCR), and trusted places to buy and install—plus quick links to compare AGM, EFB, and useful tools like a smart charger/maintainer.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks (By Use Case)

  • Daily commuter (no idle stop/start): Quality Flooded (SMF) or EFB. Compare JIS 46B24L / BCI Group 35 sizes common on imports. ~SCR 2,000–6,000 (battery only).
  • Cars with idle stop/start: EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM. ~SCR 3,800–9,500.
  • 4×4 / fishing trips / towing: AGM starting battery or dual setup (starter + auxiliary deep-cycle). See 12V deep-cycle AGM and add a DC–DC charger.
  • Hot-climate, short trips near Victoria: AGM recommended for better heat tolerance and fast recharge; pair with a maintainer if the car sits.
  • Audio/performance builds: AGM with higher RC/Ah and strong voltage stability. Check high-reserve AGM.

Car Battery Types in Seychelles Comparison

Type Best For Pros Watch-outs Compare
Flooded (SMF) Older/non–stop-start cars, taxis Lowest cost, easy to source Lower vibration/heat tolerance; needs alternator in good health Shop SMF
EFB Idle stop/start vehicles (value) Better cycle life than Flooded Costs more than SMF Shop EFB
AGM Stop/start, short-trip city use, high heat Sealed, vibration/heat resistant, high CCA/RC Higher price; needs correct charging profile Shop AGM
Aux Deep‑Cycle (AGM/GEL/LiFePO4) Second battery for fridges, winches, lights Designed to discharge deeply Use as aux only; add DC–DC charger/isolator Shop Deep‑Cycle

Car Battery Size & Fitment – Seychelles

Common Size Typical Vehicles Polarity Notes Compare
JIS 46B24L / 55B24L Toyota Vitz/Yaris, Prius 12V, Honda Fit/Jazz Left Positive Popular Japanese import size; check tray height Shop 46B24L
JIS 55D23L/R RAV4/Noah/Hiace (varies) L or R Good upgrade path to EFB/AGM where supported Shop 55D23
BCI Group 35 / 24F Some US/JDM crossovers & sedans Varies Check hold‑down lip and terminal type Group 35 AGM
DIN 55559 / 56530 European makes (VW, BMW, Merc) Standard Euro AGM often required for stop/start Shop DIN AGM

Best Car Battery Brands in Seychelles

  • Exide: Widely available via online importers and local shops; good spread from SMF to AGM. See Exide AGM options. Typical: SCR ~3,000–8,000 depending on size/spec.
  • Panasonic: Popular JIS sizes for Japanese imports; often stocked locally. Compare Panasonic 46B24L. Typical: SCR ~3,200–7,500.
  • Yuasa/GS: Strong reputation in tropical markets; look for maintenance‑free JIS sizes. Browse Yuasa.
  • Bosch/Varta: Excellent for European vehicles (DIN/AGM, stop/start). See Bosch AGM / Varta AGM.
  • Amaron: Value‑focused with good CCA for heat; common JIS sizes. Compare Amaron.

Where to Buy Car Battery in Seychelles

  • Abhaye (Parts Division)
  • Providence Industrial Estate, P.O. Box 175, Victoria, Mahé
  • Contact: +248 443 4320, info@abhaye.com
  • Hours: Mon–Fri business hours (call to confirm); Sat half‑day
  • General Auto Parts (Tyres & Batteries)
  • Alpha Center, Providence, Mahé
  • Contact: +248 437 37 46
  • Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
  • D & M Auto Parts
  • Shop 105, Sunshine Commercial Building, Providence Industrial Estate, Victoria, Mahé
  • Contact: +248 437 4553, dnmautoparts@gmail.com
  • Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
  • D & F Auto Parts (Pty) Ltd.
  • PO Box 178, Victoria, Mahé
  • Contact: +248 432 1919
  • Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
  • Auto Arcade Seychelles
  • JX Complex, Île Persévérance
  • Contact: +248 281109 / +248 2711122, autoarcadeseychelles@gmail.com
  • Hours: Mon–Sat (call to confirm)
  • Renault / Henri Fraise Fils & Cie (Service Centre)
  • Providence, Mahé
  • Contact: +248 437 3786
  • Hours: Mon–Fri (dealership service hours)

Buying Car Battery in Seychelles Guide and Tips

  • Heat & salt protection: AGM/EFB handle tropical heat and vibration better. Add a terminal protectant and keep the tray clean from salt spray.
  • Short‑trip charging: If you mostly drive 5–10 minutes in Victoria, your alternator may never fully recharge the battery. Use a smart maintainer monthly.
  • CCA & RC matter: For hills/AC loads, choose higher CCA and RC. Prioritize quality over just Ah.
  • Stop/start cars: Replace only with EFB/AGM of the same or higher spec. Ask the installer to register/reset the battery on vehicles with BMS.
  • Island stock: If a rare size is out of stock on Mahé, ask sellers to cross‑reference an equivalent or check Praslin/La Digue transfer. Keep your old battery as a core until fitment is confirmed.
  • Warranty: Typical 12–24 months. Ensure the seller stamps your invoice/warranty card and note the pro‑rata terms.
  • Install basics: Save radio codes, keep power to ECUs if needed, and verify alternator voltage (≈14.2V AGM warm). Clean/torque terminals.
  • Emergency kit: Carry a compact lithium jump starter and memory saver for ferries or off‑island trips.

Car Battery Seychelles FAQs

How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in Seychelles?
Expect roughly SCR 2,500–7,000 for common Flooded/EFB sizes and SCR 4,500–10,000+ for AGM/DIN sizes, plus SCR 200–600 for fitting/testing depending on shop and vehicle.

What’s the typical car battery warranty in Seychelles?
Most reputable sellers offer 12–24 months depending on type (AGM/EFB usually longer). Keep the stamped invoice/warranty card and follow any pro‑rata terms.

How are car batteries recycled in Seychelles?
Many shops accept old batteries for safe handling. Used lead‑acid batteries are typically exported for recycling; ask your seller for take‑back and receipt. If needed, contact a licensed scrap/recycling firm and never dump batteries—acid and lead are hazardous.

Can I upgrade from Flooded to AGM?
Yes—if it fits and the charging system is healthy. Stop/start cars should use EFB/AGM only; some vehicles require battery registration/coding after replacement.

Why did my battery die after a beach day?
Short trips with high electrical loads (AC, lights, audio) and heat can leave the battery under‑charged. Use a maintainer and ensure the alternator is charging correctly.

What’s the right size for my car?
Match the original size (JIS/BCI/DIN), polarity (L/R), and CCA. Check the owner’s manual or the label on your existing battery; measure the tray if unsure.

Bottom Line

  • For most Seychelles drivers, AGM or EFB delivers the best reliability in heat and short‑trip conditions.
  • Confirm the correct size & polarity, and buy from a seller who can test/fit and handle warranty.
  • Plan end‑of‑life responsibly—use a seller take‑back or licensed recycler.
Best Car Battery in Seychelles: Top Brands & Where to Buy