Varta N95 Dynamic EFB · Start-Stop battery 95Ah 850A

Yes. The N95 is an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery): flooded lead-acid reinforced with plate additives. For cycles it sits between a conventional battery and an AGM, and it costs less than an equivalent AGM; it is the technology for cars with basic Start-Stop, without regenerative braking.

Yes. It is a EFB battery of 95 Ah, designed for vehicles with Start-Stop. EFB batteries cover basic Start-Stop (no regenerative braking). 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.

If the car has Start-Stop or BMS: a) the technology must match the original (AGM or EFB) or be higher, because a conventional battery would fail within months; b) undo the negative cable at its nut, leaving the IBS sensor in place; c) it is advisable to register the battery via OBD so the alternator applies the proper charging profile. Allow 15-30 minutes and a 10 mm spanner for a L5 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. 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 (positive on the right) to match the polarity; 6) connect the positive (+) and finally the negative (−). For the detail, read our guide to replacing the car battery and, if in doubt, the owner's handbook or a main dealer.

Estimated lifespan of the Varta N95: 4 to 6 years in basic Start-Stop car use. Treat it as an approximate guide, as every case is different. 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.

Measure your car's battery tray first; if the battery exceeds it by even a millimetre, the hold-down clamp may not close. Length × width × height: 353x175x190 mm (L5 case). Height is measured to the top of the terminals. Hold-down: B13.

The N95 has the positive on the right in a L5 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 N95 fits 13 verified vehicle versions in our database. 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)). If our table and the car handbook disagree, go with what the manufacturer says.

See the "Equivalents" section of this page for the recommended options at the same performance level. Mind the technology: in Start-Stop cars an EFB is not swapped for a conventional battery. A battery interchangeable with the Varta N95 must match it on dimensions (353×175×190 mm), polarity (positive on the right), capacity (95 Ah) and cranking current (850 A).

It is the AGM of the same case: more cold cranking, faster charging and far more resistance to cycling and heat than the N95. Compared with the N95 it has the same Ah and cranking power. It costs 47,99 € more. Mandatory if the original was AGM; in a car without Start-Stop the N95 does the job and AGM is a bonus in cranking and durability, not a necessity.

A technology step up: sealed AGM, with stronger cranking and a noticeably longer life than the N95 when the car draws a lot of power. Compared with the N95 it has the same Ah and cranking power. It costs 26,00 € 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 N95 is plenty.

Its place is basic Start-Stop without regenerative braking, fitted from new in, for example, Renault Energy TCe, Peugeot/Citroën PureTech, Fiat MultiAir, Hyundai/Kia ISG or Ford EcoBoost. Thicker grids plus carbon and polyethylene additives in the plates: that is what sets an EFB apart from a conventional flooded battery. The result is more cycles and more resistance to deep discharges, without reaching AGM level. EFB from the factory? Stay with EFB; AGM is optional and only a marginal improvement. AGM from the factory? Then fit an AGM, because an EFB would fall short. This N95 is an EFB.

On most cars it is not strictly necessary: the alternator detects the new battery and adapts the charge by itself. It is advisable, though, to register it via OBD so the optimum profile applies from the first minute and the battery lasts as long as possible, especially on brands with sophisticated BMS (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Land Rover). Without registration there is no starting problem: the alternator adjusts the profile within a few days. To do it yourself: VCDS or Carista on VAG, Bimmercode on BMW, iCarsoft. At a workshop with an OBD scanner it takes minutes.