Varta A11 · Car battery 45Ah 370A AGM

Yes. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology, 45 Ah and 12 V: sealed lead-acid, with the electrolyte held in glass fibre. It tolerates heat better and handles more cycles than a conventional battery, which is why it is the required technology with advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking.

Yes. It is a AGM battery of 45 Ah, designed for vehicles with Start-Stop. AGM batteries support advanced Start-Stop and regenerative braking thanks to their higher cycle count. 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.

Steps: 1) switch off and remove the key; 2) find the battery (bonnet, boot or under a seat); 3) undo the negative (−), then the positive (+); 4) remove the clamp and the old battery; 5) fit the new one facing the same way to match the polarity; 6) connect the positive (+) and finally the negative (−). Tool: a 10 mm spanner. Time: 15-30 minutes on almost every car, and up to double if the battery is not under the bonnet but in the boot or under a seat. Our blog guide covers it in detail; if the owner's handbook describes a different procedure, follow the manufacturer.

Estimated lifespan of the Varta A11: 5 to 8 years in mild-climate car use with Start-Stop. Treat it as an approximate guide, as every case is different. Many factors play a part: how it is used (lots of short trips, for example), temperature (cold makes every start harder and intense heat evaporates the electrolyte), the condition of the alternator and charging system, power drawn with the engine off and maintenance, as well as the type of car and whether it has Start-Stop.

Length × width × height: 236x126x224 mm. Height is measured to the top of the terminals. Measure your car's battery tray first; if the battery exceeds it by even a millimetre, the hold-down clamp may not close.

For your own vehicle: type your number plate into the finder (DGT/DVLA/KBA identify model and engine), check the "Compatible vehicles" tab below, listing vehicles verified by our technical team, or message us on WhatsApp with make, model, engine and year; we reply during business hours (Mon–Fri 10:00–13:30 and 16:30–18:00 (Spanish time, CET)). The A11 typically fits a wide range of European vehicles thanks to its standard DIN case format. If our table and the car handbook disagree, go with what the manufacturer says.

A direct equivalent needs what this A11 offers: 236×126×224 mm, the same Ah and CCA and AGM technology. Technology matters too: in Start-Stop cars, an EFB cannot be replaced with a conventional battery. The options at the same level are in the "Equivalents" section of this page.

Many more charge/discharge cycles than a conventional battery and no leaks: that is what AGM technology brings, with the electrolyte absorbed in glass fibre. Hence it is recommended for advanced Start-Stop with regenerative braking, such as BMW EfficientDynamics, Mercedes Eco, Audi MHEV, Land Rover ECO or Volvo i-Stop, and it handles tilting, vibration and extreme temperatures better than an EFB. Cold cranking current (EN) of the Varta A11: 370 A.

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. Any workshop with an OBD scanner does it in a few minutes; DIY, with VCDS or Carista (VAG group), Bimmercode (BMW) or iCarsoft. If you do not register the A11, it will keep starting fine while the alternator adjusts the profile over a few days.