Exide EK1060 · Start-Stop battery 106Ah 950A AGM

Yes: the EK1060 from Exide uses AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, a sealed lead-acid battery whose electrolyte soaks a glass-fibre mat. Its advantages: more charge/discharge cycles than a conventional battery and better heat tolerance. It is also required in cars with advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking.

Yes. It is a AGM battery of 106 Ah, designed for vehicles with Start-Stop. AGM batteries support advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking thanks to their higher cycle count. It works once fitted; on most modern cars, registering it via OBD is advisable so the alternator applies the optimum charging profile. The general recommendation is EFB for basic Start-Stop and AGM where there is regenerative braking (it handles more cycles), unless the car manufacturer says otherwise.

Before you start, check the car handbook: the manufacturer's procedure always comes first. Our full step-by-step guide is on the blog. Allow 15-30 minutes and a 10 mm spanner for a L6 case like this one. If the car keeps its battery in the boot or under a seat, it can take up to twice as long. The right order: engine off and key out; disconnect the negative (−) first, then the positive (+); release the hold-down clamp, lift out the old battery and seat the new one in the same position (positive on the right), keeping the polarity; reconnect the positive (+) first and the negative (−) last. Start-Stop or BMS specifics: do not remove the IBS sensor on the negative terminal (just loosen the cable nut); after the swap, register the battery via OBD so the alternator charges with the right profile; and never step down in technology: if the car had AGM or EFB, the new one must be the same or better, as a conventional battery lasts only a few months.

Estimated lifespan of the Exide EK1060: 5 to 8 years in mild-climate car use with Start-Stop. Treat it as an approximate guide, as every case is different. Actual lifespan varies with climate (cold starts, heat evaporating the electrolyte), with usage and short journeys, with the condition of the alternator and charging system, with power draw while parked and with maintenance; the type of car and Start-Stop also count.

Before buying, measure the space in your car: one extra millimetre can stop the hold-down clamp from closing. The Exide EK1060 takes up 392×175×190 mm (length, width and height, terminals included), the European L6 case size, with a B13 hold-down.

The EK1060 has the positive on the right in a L6 case: that is its polarity. Face the battery with its terminals nearest you and see which side the positive post (+, red ring) is on. Compare it with the battery you are replacing: if it does not match, cables must be lengthened or the system reconfigured, with a risk of short circuit.

The quickest way is to enter your number plate in the finder: DGT/DVLA/KBA detect model and engine. You can also look at the "Compatible vehicles" tab, verified by our technical team, or send us make, model, engine and year on WhatsApp; we answer during business hours (Mon–Fri 10:00–13:30 and 16:30–18:00 (Spanish time, CET)). The car manufacturer's specifications always take priority over our tables. The compatibility list for the EK1060 runs to 149 verified vehicle versions.

Not just any technology will do: an EFB cannot be replaced with a conventional battery in Start-Stop cars. The "Equivalents" section further down lists the recommended alternatives. To replace the Exide EK1060 without modifications, the other battery must be identical in size (L6 case), polarity, Ah and CCA.

It is the verified Varta equivalent for the EK1060 tray. Compared with the EK1060 it has 1 Ah less. It costs 23,60 € more. Decide by price, brand preference and availability: both fit and crank the same.

The Varta alternative that fits where the EK1060 goes, with the same polarity. Compared with the EK1060 it has 1 Ah less. It costs 78,20 € more. A straight swap with nothing to adapt; the difference is the price and the brand you prefer.

The absorbent glass-fibre mat of an AGM retains the electrolyte, so it cannot leak and withstands considerably more cycles than a conventional battery. For regenerative braking systems such as BMW EfficientDynamics, Mercedes Eco, Audi MHEV, Land Rover ECO or Volvo i-Stop, AGM is the recommendation; it also copes better than an EFB with tilting, vibration and extreme temperatures. This EK1060 delivers 950 A cold cranking (EN).

Advisable, yes; essential, on most cars, no. Registering it via OBD makes the alternator charge with the optimum profile from the first minute and extends battery life, which matters most on brands with sophisticated BMS such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo or Land Rover. A workshop only needs an OBD scanner and a few minutes. DIY apps: VCDS / Carista (VAG), Bimmercode (BMW), iCarsoft. If you do not register the EK1060, it will keep starting fine while the alternator adjusts the profile over a few days.