Exide EK950 · Start-Stop battery 95Ah 850A AGM

Yes. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, 96 Ah and 12 V: sealed lead-acid, with the electrolyte held in glass fibre. Compared with a conventional battery it withstands more charge/discharge cycles and handles heat better; it is the required technology for cars with advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking.

Yes: being AGM, the Exide EK960 is designed for Start-Stop cars. AGM batteries support advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking thanks to their higher cycle count. It needs nothing to work, though on most modern cars registering it via OBD is advisable so the alternator adjusts its charging profile. As a rule: EFB for basic Start-Stop, AGM when there is also regenerative braking (more cycles); in any case, what the car manufacturer specifies.

On most cars it is a 15-30 minute job needing only a 10 mm spanner (up to twice as long when the battery is under a seat or in the boot). With Start-Stop there are three more points: the negative terminal usually carries a battery sensor (IBS), so undo the cable at the terminal nut without removing the sensor; register the battery via OBD so the alternator applies the correct charging profile; and fit the same technology as the original (AGM or EFB) or higher, because a conventional battery wears out within months. What matters most is the terminal order: removing, negative (−) before positive (+); refitting, positive (+) before negative (−). In between, with the engine off and the key out, release the clamp and fit the new battery the same way round as the original, positive on the right (polarity). Before you start, check the car handbook: the manufacturer's procedure always comes first. Our full step-by-step guide is on the blog.

As a guide, you can expect the Exide EK960 to last 5 to 8 years in mild-climate car use with Start-Stop, although the real figure may be higher or lower. What weighs most: temperature (cold makes starts harder and intense heat evaporates the electrolyte), frequent short trips, the condition of the alternator and charging system, power draw while parked and maintenance, not forgetting the type of car and Start-Stop.

Check the room available in your car, because a single millimetre too much can stop the clamp from closing. Its dimensions are 353×175×190 mm, also written 353x175x190 mm; the height already includes the terminals. In European terms it is a L5 case.

On the Exide EK960, the polarity is positive on the right. It must match your current battery: reversed polarity means lengthening cables or reconfiguring the system, with a risk of short circuit. To check, stand the battery in front of you with the terminals nearest you: the positive (+) is the one with the red ring.

Three routes: the "Compatible vehicles" tab on this page, with the vehicles verified by our technical team; your number plate in the finder, from which DGT/DVLA/KBA detect model and engine; and WhatsApp, with make, model, engine and year, during business hours (Mon–Fri 10:00–13:30 and 16:30–18:00 (Spanish time, CET)). Always cross-check with what the car manufacturer states in the owner's handbook.

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 EK960 without modifications, the other battery must be identical in size (L5 case), polarity, Ah and CCA.

Same range and the same performance as the EK950. Compared with the EK950 it has the same Ah and cranking power. It costs 41,90 € less. Either one works; decide by price.

It is the verified Varta equivalent for the EK950 tray. Compared with the EK950 it has 1 Ah less. It costs 7,99 € more. Decide by price, brand preference and availability: both fit and crank the same.

Compared with an EFB it resists tilted positions, heavy vibration and extreme temperatures better, and it is the recommended option where there is regenerative braking (BMW EfficientDynamics, Mercedes Eco, Audi MHEV, Land Rover ECO, Volvo i-Stop). In an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery the electrolyte is held in a glass-fibre mat: no spills, and many more charge/discharge cycles than a conventional battery. This EK960 delivers 850 A cold cranking (EN).

The alternator detects the new battery and adapts the charge automatically, so on most cars it is not compulsory. Even so, it is advisable to register it via OBD so charging is optimum from the first minute and the battery lasts longer, particularly on BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo or Land Rover, with more sophisticated BMS. Without registration the car starts normally; the alternator simply takes a few days to adjust the profile. Any workshop with an OBD scanner does it in a few minutes; DIY, with VCDS or Carista (VAG group), Bimmercode (BMW) or iCarsoft.