Exide EL700 · Start-Stop battery 70Ah 760A EFB

Yes. The EL700 is an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery): flooded lead-acid reinforced with plate additives. More affordable than an equivalent AGM and with more cycles than a conventional battery (though fewer than AGM), it is what cars with basic Start-Stop use, without regenerative braking.

Yes: being EFB, the Exide EL700 is designed for Start-Stop cars. EFB batteries cover basic Start-Stop (no regenerative braking). If the car recovers energy when braking, AGM is recommended for its higher cycle count; for basic Start-Stop, EFB. The manufacturer's specification comes first. It works once fitted; on most modern cars, registering it via OBD is advisable so the alternator applies the optimum charging profile.

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 the engine stopped and the key removed, always start with the negative (−) terminal, then the positive (+). Free the clamp, swap the battery without turning it round (this one has positive on the right) so the polarity stays the same, and reconnect in reverse: positive (+) first, negative (−) last. 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. Our blog guide covers it in detail; if the owner's handbook describes a different procedure, follow the manufacturer.

As a guide, you can expect the Exide EL700 to last 4 to 6 years in basic Start-Stop car use, although the real figure may be higher or lower. It can vary considerably with usage (short or long journeys), temperature, the condition of the alternator and charging system, power drawn with the engine off and maintenance, plus the car itself and Start-Stop. Cold demands more at every start and intense heat evaporates the electrolyte.

Its dimensions are 278×175×190 mm, also written 278x175x190 mm; the height already includes the terminals. In European terms it is a L3 case. Check the room available in your car, because a single millimetre too much can stop the clamp from closing.

On the Exide EL700, the polarity is positive on the right. To check, stand the battery in front of you with the terminals nearest you: the positive (+) is the one with the red ring. 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.

Not sure? Try your number plate in the finder (DGT/DVLA/KBA detect model and engine) or the "Compatible vehicles" tab, checked by our technical team; if your car is not there, send us make, model, engine and year on WhatsApp and we will reply during business hours (Mon–Fri 10:00–13:30 and 16:30–18:00 (Spanish time, CET)). Our database holds 463 verified vehicle versions for the Exide EL700. Always cross-check with what the car manufacturer states in the owner's handbook.

Interchangeable means the same dimensions, same polarity, same Ah and same CCA; for the EL700, 70 Ah (760 A cranking). 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.

A technology step up: sealed AGM, with stronger cranking and a noticeably longer life than the EL700 when the car draws a lot of power. Compared with the EL700 it has 2 Ah more. It costs 24,00 € more. Choose it if your car required it from the factory or if you want the longest-lasting battery for this size; for normal use without Start-Stop, the EL700 is plenty.

The AGM of this size: what cars with Start-Stop and regenerative braking fit from the factory, and a real durability upgrade over the EL700. Compared with the EL700 it has the same Ah and cranking power. It costs 38,35 € more. Essential if your car has Start-Stop, regenerative braking or came with AGM; without those systems it is an upgrade you do not need to pay for.

Rule of thumb: car with an EFB from new, EFB (AGM is an optional, marginal upgrade); car with an AGM from new, AGM. It is still flooded lead-acid, but an EFB reinforces the plates with carbon and polyethylene and uses thicker grids. That gives it more cycles than a conventional battery and deeper discharge tolerance, though less than an AGM. Many basic Start-Stop systems (no regenerative braking) come with it from the factory, such as Renault Energy TCe, Peugeot/Citroën PureTech, Fiat MultiAir, Hyundai/Kia ISG and Ford EcoBoost.

It is not strictly necessary on most cars, because the alternator detects the change and adapts the charge. The advisable step is to register it via OBD: the charging profile is optimum from the first minute and the battery lasts longer, especially on brands with sophisticated BMS (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Land Rover). Any garage with an OBD scanner can do it in a few minutes. If you prefer to do it yourself: VCDS / Carista (VAG), Bimmercode (BMW) or iCarsoft. Even if you do not register the Exide EL700, the car will start correctly; the profile adjusts within a few days.