From packed Phnom Penh traffic to hot season highs, monsoon humidity, and rough laterite roads upcountry, Cambodia is tough on batteries. This guide shows exactly how to choose the right type and size, what prices to expect in USD/KHR, and the best places to buy or get installation—plus handy comparisons and shopping shortcuts for AGM, EFB start‑stop, and tools like a smart charger/maintainer.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks (By Use Case)
- Car Battery Types in Cambodia Comparison
- Car Battery Size & Fitment — Cambodia
- Best Car Battery Brands in Cambodia
- Where to Buy Car Battery in Cambodia
- Buying Guide & Tips (Cambodia)
- Car Battery Cambodia FAQs
Quick Picks (By Use Case)
- Daily commuter (non start‑stop): Quality Flooded/SMF or EFB. Compare Group 35 and JIS 46B24. ~US$70–$180 (≈ 290k–740k KHR)
- Cars with idle‑stop/start: EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Browse EFB or AGM. ~US$120–$350
- SUV/MPV & provincial trips: Higher CCA DIN sizes (H5/L2, H6/L3, H7/L4). See H6/L3 AGM.
- 4×4/touring & towing: AGM starting battery or dual setup (starter + deep‑cycle). See 12V deep‑cycle AGM and a DC‑DC charger.
- Short‑trip city use: AGM + periodic top‑up with a maintainer.
- Audio/performance builds: AGM with high RC/Ah and strong voltage stability—check high‑reserve AGM.
Car Battery Types in Cambodia Comparison
| Type | Best For | Key Pros | Watch‑outs in Cambodia | Typical Price (USD) | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooded/SMF (Lead‑acid) | Older sedans, simple electrics | Lowest price, easy to find nationwide | Lower vibration resistance on rough roads; may need topping (if non‑sealed) | $60–$140 | Compare SMF |
| EFB | Asian/JDM start‑stop vehicles | Designed for frequent restarts, better cycle life | Don’t downgrade start‑stop cars to standard flooded | $110–$220 | Shop EFB |
| AGM | Premium/start‑stop, SUVs, audio builds | High CCA, sealed, vibration‑resistant, good in heat | Higher upfront cost; ensure smart charging | $160–$350 | Shop AGM |
| Lithium (LiFePO₄, 12V) | Special builds, weight‑sensitive use | Very light, high cycle life | Needs compatible charging/BMS; not common for daily cars | $250–$600+ | Browse LiFePO₄ |
Car Battery Size & Fitment Size Cambodia
| Common Size (JIS/DIN/BCI) | Typical Vehicles in Cambodia | Polarity | Notes | Check Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JIS 46B24L/R (≈ BCI Group 35) | Toyota Vios/Yaris, Prius (12V), Corolla Altis, small SUVs | L or R | Measure tray & clamp; R = positive right | 46B24R • 46B24L |
| 55D23L/R (≈ BCI 24/24F) | Camry/Accord (older gens), Hilux/Hiace (some trims) | L or R | Popular nationwide, good availability | 55D23 |
| 65D26L/R | Mid‑size SUVs/MPVs | L or R | Consider AGM for rough roads/heavy loads | 65D26 |
| 95D31L/R (≈ BCI 31) | Pickups, diesel SUVs, light trucks | L or R | High CCA; check height clearance | 95D31 |
| DIN H5/L2 • H6/L3 • H7/L4 | European makes (VW, BMW, Mercedes), newer SUVs | Std. European | Match DIN size & start‑stop spec (EFB/AGM) | H6/L3 • H7/L4 |
Best Car Battery Brands in Cambodia
- GS/Yuasa: Popular Thai‑/Japan‑backed options with wide coverage (flooded, EFB, AGM). Good availability in Phnom Penh and provincial towns. Typical shop pricing: ~US$70–$220 depending on size/spec. Compare GS/Yuasa AGM.
- VARTA: German‑engineered; strong DIN sizes for European cars and SUVs; EFB/AGM lines for start‑stop. Expect ~US$120–$280 locally. Browse VARTA AGM.
- Panasonic/FB (Furukawa): Common on JDM imports; good reliability in small/medium JIS sizes. ~US$80–$180. See Panasonic JIS.
- ACDelco: Balanced value, decent coverage for US/GM sizes and DIN lines. ~US$100–$220. Check ACDelco AGM.
- Amaron/Exide: Solid CCA and heat resistance; good in mid‑size sedans/SUVs. ~US$90–$200. Explore Amaron.
Where to Buy Car Battery in Cambodia
- Local battery shops & garages: Fast swaps (often under 30 minutes). Many provide mobile install in Phnom Penh for a small fee.
- Auto parts chains & tire stores: Wider brand choice; can test alternator/charging system.
- Online marketplaces: Useful for harder‑to‑find DIN sizes/AGM and home delivery. Confirm fresh stock (see date code).
- Heng Sreng Battery Shop
- No. 198CDEo, Oknha Tep Phan (St. 182), 12153 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Contact: +855 12 405 2**
- Hours: Daily 07:00–18:00
- Map/Info: kh15684.contact.page
- BSB Battery Cambodia’s Store
- Tropeang Sila, Sangkat Pong Tuek, Khan Dangkao, Phnom Penh
- Contact: +855 69 313 033
- Hours: Call to confirm
- Listing: libertycarz.com/stores/918
- BOTTA Battery Shop
- Phnom Penh (retail/installation)
- Contact: 096 991 2372 / 093 477 477 / 095 949 598
- Hours: Call to confirm
- Page: facebook.com/Bottabatteryshop
- Online — Ubuy Cambodia (VARTA/YUASA)
- Nationwide delivery to major provinces
- Contact: via site
- Hours: Online
- Shop: Ubuy Yuasa • Ubuy VARTA
Buying Car Battery in Cambodia Guide and Tips
- Match start‑stop spec: If your car has idle‑stop, use EFB (value) or AGM (premium). Downgrading shortens life and can disable the system.
- Check fresh stock: Read the date code (e.g., 10/2025). Prefer batteries stored < 6 months and ask for pre‑install voltage ≥ 12.5V.
- Heat & dust: Cambodia’s hot/dusty environment favors sealed/maintenance‑free designs and proper hold‑down to resist vibration.
- CCA & capacity: For SUVs/trips to highlands or heavy accessories, choose higher CCA and reserve capacity (Ah/RC).
- Charging system test: Ask the shop to test alternator output (target ~13.8–14.6V running) to avoid repeat failures.
- Memory saver: Modern cars may lose radio/ECU settings. Use an OBD2 memory saver during swaps.
- Smart maintenance: If the car sits (rainy season travel, holidays), keep a smart maintainer at 12.6–12.8V. Helpful during power‑outage cycles.
- Warranty & receipts: Cambodia warranties are typically 12–24 months. Keep the stamped invoice and battery serial for claims.
- Core return: Bring your old battery—many shops give a small discount for the core.
- Mobile install safety: If installing roadside, ensure the car is off, terminals are tight, and polarity matches (+ to +, − to −).
Car Battery Cambodia FAQs
How long do car batteries usually last in Cambodia?
2–4 years is common due to heat, congestion, and rough roads. Start‑stop vehicles may need AGM/EFB replacements sooner if downgraded.
How much does it typically cost to replace and install a car battery in Cambodia?
Expect ~US$70–$180 for standard flooded/SMF, US$110–$220 for EFB, and US$160–$350 for AGM, plus install/labour ~US$5–$15 (mobile install may be US$10–$25).
What’s the typical car battery warranty in Cambodia?
Most retailers offer 12–24 months depending on brand and usage. Some require regular charging‑system checks for claims.
How are car batteries recycled in Cambodia?
Shops usually take the old unit as a core for recycling via scrap channels. Ask your retailer to accept the used battery; never dump it due to lead/acid hazards.
Can I upgrade from flooded to AGM?
Yes—AGM is sealed and vibration‑resistant. Ensure your alternator/regulator and voltage profile are compatible; many modern cars are fine without changes.
Do I need to “register” a new battery?
Some European vehicles require battery registration/coding. Many shops in Phnom Penh can handle this; otherwise seek a diagnostic garage.
What if my car cranks slowly after rain or floods?
Have the terminals cleaned and dried, check for parasitic drains, and test battery/alternator. Consider AGM for better resilience.
The Bottom Line
AGM and EFB batteries handle Cambodia’s heat, traffic, and rough roads better than basic flooded units—especially for start‑stop cars and SUVs. Match the correct JIS/DIN size, confirm fresh stock and warranty, and buy from reputable shops (or online for hard‑to‑find sizes). Keep a smart maintainer if you do short trips or leave the car parked.
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