What Is an H8 Battery? | Group Size Guide

An H8 battery is a standardized 12-volt car battery size group, also called Group 49, L5, or LN5.

If you’re shopping for a replacement, “H8” tells you the physical size and terminal layout, not the brand or internal chemistry. These batteries typically measure 13.90 x 6.90 x 7.50 inches (about 354 x 175 x 190 mm) and are used in European vehicles and light trucks that demand higher starting power and reserve capacity than smaller sizes provide.

Beyond the footprint, most H8 models share similar electrical specs. Checking a few key numbers before buying keeps you from guessing wrong.

Typical H8 Battery Specs At A Glance

The table below shows common values found across H8 retail listings. Your vehicle may specify a different CCA or reserve figure, so the OEM requirement is the number that overrides everything else.

Does An H8 Battery Fit My Vehicle?

An H8 fits vehicles that call for Group 49, L5, or LN5 fitment, and most cars specifying that size are European imports or large sedans with high electrical loads. But the size class alone doesn’t guarantee a drop-in match — four things decide fitment.

• Tray dimensions: the physical length, width, and height must clear the battery tray and whatever sits above it.
• Terminal orientation: the positive post must sit on the same side your cables reach. H8 posts can be on the front or rear edge depending on the exact model.
• Hold-down style: some trays clamp the bottom edge, others bolt through the top. The base must match.
• Chemistry requirement: if the car specifies AGM, install an AGM. Flooded replacements can fight the charging strategy and shorten battery life.

The most common mistake is confusing an H8 with the shorter H7 (also called Group 94R). An H8 is longer, so it won’t fit an H7 tray without modifications.

Options And Buying Cautions

Both flooded and AGM H8 batteries are sold, and the chemistry affects price, performance, and weight. AGM versions handle higher electrical demands, resist vibration, and are the right choice for vehicles with stop-start systems or heavy accessory loads.

Weight is another practical concern. Most H8 lead-acid and AGM retail products weigh between 47.7 and 55.7 pounds, which makes lifting one into a tight tray a two-person job. Lithium H8-format batteries exist and weigh far less, but they cost considerably more and aren’t a universal drop-in because their charge profile differs. When a vehicle has battery management or stop-start electronics, the OEM specification matters — H8 is a size class, not proof of electronic compatibility.

Pricing varies by brand, seller, and chemistry, and there’s no single standard retail price for the size. If you’re comparing options, our roundup of the best H8 car battery picks breaks down tested models and value.

For a solid reference point, Continental’s L5/H8/49CP product page documents the standard dimensions and terminal layout that define this group size.

Before buying, match the tray, terminal orientation, hold-down style, and the chemistry your vehicle requires. Get those four right, and the H8 size will serve you for years.