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)

  • 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.

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)

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.
Best Car Battery in Madagascar: Top Brands & Where to Buy