Understanding BCI Group Numbers and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

Explore how battery form factors and CCA ratings work together to ensure fitment accuracy, power performance, and compliance with OEM requirements.

BCI Group Numbers

BCI group numbers define the physical form factor of a battery, including:

Height dimensions
Width dimensions
Depth measurements
Terminal location and type

These specifications ensure the battery will physically fit in the vehicle's battery tray and connect properly to the electrical system.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

CCA defines the battery's ability to start a car in cold conditions. Key points about CCA:

OEMs set minimum CCA requirements for each vehicle
Higher CCA than required is acceptable
Lower CCA than required is not acceptable
Catalogs must respect these minimum requirements

Ignoring CCA requirements can lead to starting failures and customer dissatisfaction.

Battery Chemistry

The type of battery chemistry must be appropriate for the vehicle:

Flooded (traditional lead-acid)
EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery)
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)

Modern vehicles, especially those with start-stop systems, often require specific battery chemistry types.

BCI group numbers and Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) are two of the most important specs in battery fitment. Together, they define physical size and starting power—and both must align with what the vehicle requires. Catalogs that ignore these factors can lead to costly fitment mistakes. Our data logic prevents that.