How to Distinguish Battery Size Models?
3 Answers
Open the battery compartment and count the number of battery cells. If there are three cells and the battery compartment is marked with 6-DZM-12, then it is a 36V12AH battery. If the battery compartment is marked with 8-DZM-12, then it is a 48V12AH battery.
Battery size and model mainly depend on two key indicators: capacity and dimensions. The capacity unit is ampere-hours (Ah), for example, 60Ah means the battery can discharge 60 amps continuously for one hour. When I replaced my car battery last year, I did my homework—ordinary sedans usually use 55-70Ah, while SUVs may require larger capacities. Dimensions are more straightforward; the length, width, and height directly determine whether the battery can fit into the tray. My neighbor once installed a larger battery but couldn’t close the hood because they didn’t measure the dimensions. Additionally, battery terminal positions can be reversed—if installed backward, the cables won’t connect. In winter, you also need to check the cold cranking amps (CCA); in extremely cold regions, you’ll need at least 500A or higher, otherwise, you might struggle to start the engine in the morning. All these parameters are listed in the vehicle’s manual—it’s always a good idea to check before replacing.
The most practical way to identify battery models is by checking the label codes. Having repaired hundreds of batteries, I've noticed their models typically follow alphanumeric patterns like 6-QW-60. The initial '6' indicates the number of battery cells, 'QW' stands for maintenance-free type, and '60' represents the 60Ah capacity. Sizes vary significantly, from small NS40 for motorcycles to large 8D for trucks. Batteries below 45Ah are considered small, 45-80Ah medium, and those above 100Ah for trucks are classified as large. The biggest headache with wrong models is unstable installation - hitting a speed bump could damage the wiring. When buying a new battery, photograph the old one completely, especially the parameter sticker on the side, so sellers can match it precisely. Note that replacing batteries may require vehicle computer rematching.
