A battery BCI number indicates the physical size dimensions of the battery rather than its Amp Hours (AH) rating.
The BCI group numbers are used to categorize automotive batteries by the size of its case in addition to both the type of terminals each battery has, and their location on the battery.
These numbers were developed by the Battery Council International, a non-profit trade organization dedicated to promote the interests of the lead battery manufacturing and recycling industries.
Below, you’ll find a BCI group number chart that lists each battery group number, along with its application, physical dimensions, as well as the battery terminal style and location for each.
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This is another in a series of weekly Q&A Mailbag sessions with Summit Racing‘s tech department, in which there are hundreds more. Click here to see them all.
While the topic of BCI specifications might not have the allure of something more exotic like forced induction systems, it’s still essential information for planning a well thought out automotive electrical system. Little details like knowing if the positive post is on the left or right side can make a big difference when ordering or installing a new battery. Ask me how I know…or didn’t know. Thanks to the OAC Staff, now I know for sure.