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BCI Battery Group Size Chart (Summary Table, or Data Chart)
The BCI battery group size chart classifies batteries by standardized physical dimensions, terminal placement, and polarity to ensure compatibility across vehicles and equipment. Each BCI group number corresponds to a specific footprint and terminal configuration, simplifying battery selection and replacement. This chart helps users, retailers, and manufacturers identify the perfect battery for cars, trucks, marine, industrial, and specialty applications efficiently and accurately.
What Is the BCI Battery Group Size System and Why Is It Important?
The BCI (Battery Council International) battery group size system standardizes key battery attributes, including length, width, height, terminal location, and polarity. This standardization is crucial for ensuring the battery fits the designated vehicle tray and connects properly with electrical systems. It reduces guesswork and compatibility issues, providing a universal language for battery selection among OEMs, aftermarket suppliers, and consumers.
How Are BCI Battery Group Numbers Assigned?
Group numbers are designated by the BCI based on battery physical dimensions and terminal configurations. Numbers like Group 24, 27, and 31 represent popular sizes used in passenger and commercial vehicles, while groups like U1 are geared towards lawn and garden equipment. Some groups include suffix letters such as “R” indicating reverse terminal position, aiding in precise fits for specific applications.
What Are the Standard Dimensions and Applications for Common BCI Groups?
Each BCI group corresponds to defined dimensions (length × width × height) and is associated with typical application categories:
| Group Size | Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 8.19 | 6.81 | 8.75 | Mid-size cars, light trucks |
| 24 | 10.25 | 6.81 | 8.88 | Mid-size/full-size cars, light trucks |
| 27 | 12.06 | 6.81 | 8.88 | SUVs, boats, marine use |
| 31 | 13.00 | 6.81 | 9.44 | Commercial trucks, RVs |
| 34 | 10.25 | 6.81 | 7.88 | Compact/performance vehicles |
| 35 | 9.06 | 6.87 | 8.88 | Compact cars |
| U1 | 7.75 | 5.19 | 7.25 | Lawn and garden equipment |
These measurements help ensure the battery physically fits the intended compartment and the terminals allow proper electrical connections.
Why Are Terminal Locations and Polarity Included in the BCI Chart?
Terminal position and polarity (positive and negative terminal location) critically impact battery installation and wiring compatibility. Reversed terminals (“R” groups) accommodate vehicles or equipment designed with unusual terminal arrangements to prevent wiring errors. Understanding terminal layout prevents connection mistakes that could damage electrical systems or battery performance.
How Do You Choose the Right BCI Group Battery for Your Vehicle?
To select the appropriate BCI group size, consult your vehicle manual or existing battery label to match the physical size and terminal placement. Also consider the battery’s cold cranking amps (CCA), reserve capacity (RC), and type (lead-acid flooded, AGM, or lithium) as these affect performance and suitability for your usage environment.
What Are Some Common BCI Battery Group Sizes for Specialty Equipment?
Groups like U1 and 48 are typical in lawn mowers, golf carts, and small industrial machines. Heavy-duty vehicles may use larger groups such as 31 or 49. For electric vehicles or renewable energy storage, specialized batteries may adhere to similar sizing but different chemistry standards, including lithium batteries supplied by OEMs like Redway Power for optimized performance.
How Does Redway Power Utilize the BCI Group Size Standards?
Redway Power, with over 13 years of experience as a lithium battery OEM, designs lithium battery packs for forklifts, golf carts, marine applications, and more, aligning their products with BCI group size standards. They ensure physical and electrical compatibility while leveraging advanced manufacturing systems (MES) and quality certifications (ISO 9001:2015) to deliver consistent, high-performance batteries optimized for specific applications.
BCI Battery Group Size Summary Chart
| Group | Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Terminal Position | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 8.19 | 6.81 | 8.75 | Top post | Mid-size cars, light trucks |
| 24 | 10.25 | 6.81 | 8.88 | Top post | Mid-size/full-size cars, light trucks |
| 27 | 12.06 | 6.81 | 8.88 | Top post | SUVs, marine |
| 31 | 13.00 | 6.81 | 9.44 | Top post | Commercial trucks, RVs |
| 34 | 10.25 | 6.81 | 7.88 | Side post | Compact/performance cars |
| 35 | 9.06 | 6.87 | 8.88 | Side post | Compact cars |
| U1 | 7.75 | 5.19 | 7.25 | Top post | Lawn/garden equipment |
How Can Knowing Your BCI Battery Group Size Enhance Maintenance and Replacement?
Understanding BCI group sizes helps avoid purchasing incompatible batteries, ensuring proper fit and electrical connection that maximizes battery lifespan and vehicle safety. It prevents common replacement errors and streamlines sourcing replacements, saving cost and time.
Redway Power Expert Views
“The BCI battery group size system is a cornerstone of automotive and industrial battery compatibility. At Redway Power, we design lithium battery packs conforming to these group standards, ensuring seamless vehicle integration. Our rigorous MES production and ISO 9001:2015 certification underpin the reliability and longevity of our batteries, whether in forklifts, golf carts, or marine equipment where fit and function are vital.”
— Senior Product Engineer, Redway Power
Conclusion
The BCI battery group size chart standardizes battery dimensions and terminal configurations, providing an essential tool for selecting the right battery for vehicles and equipment. Familiarity with this system helps avoid misfit issues, improves safety, and ensures optimal battery performance. Manufacturers like Redway Power respect these standards while innovating battery technology with OEM-grade lithium packs tailored for diverse applications.
FAQs
Q: What does BCI battery group size indicate?
A: It specifies battery physical dimensions, terminal location, and polarity for compatibility.
Q: How do I find my battery’s BCI group size?
A: Refer to your vehicle’s manual or existing battery label for group number and dimension specs.
Q: Can I use a different BCI group size battery as a replacement?
A: Only if the physical dimensions and terminals match exactly to ensure fit and connection.
Q: What battery groups does Redway Power manufacture batteries for?
A: Redway Power designs OEM lithium batteries compatible with popular BCI groups for forklifts, golf carts, marine, and industrial use.
Q: Why is terminal position important in BCI batteries?
A: Correct terminal location prevents wiring mistakes and ensures safe, reliable electrical connections.


