EN IEC 60095 Lead-Acid Starter Batteries

The “EN IEC 60095 Lead-acid starter batteries” standard, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and later published as a European standard within the scope of harmonization efforts, consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:

• The standard “EN IEC 60095-1 Part 1: General requirements and test methods” applies primarily to lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 volts, used as a power source for starting internal combustion engines, lighting, and auxiliary equipment in internal combustion engine vehicles. These batteries are commonly referred to as starter batteries.

This standard applies to batteries intended for the following purposes:

• Car batteries.
• Batteries for commercial and industrial vehicles.

This standard does not apply to batteries used to start internal combustion engines in wagons or for other purposes such as motorcycles and other motor sports vehicles.

This standard defines many general characteristics of lead-acid batteries. Even if the application is outside the scope of this standard, individual sections may be referenced in other parts of the IEC 60095 standard.

This standard states:

• General requirements.
• Basic functional characteristics, relevant test methods, and required results for various starter battery classes:
• Depending on the general application type.
• Depending on the product type.

In short, this standard defines the following:

• Technicial Specifications
• Dimensions and terminal markings
• Basic functional features
• Electrical performance tests
• Security requirements
• Marking and labeling

This standard forms the basis for type approval in most countries outside of North America. A battery marked EN IEC 60095-1 or bearing the correct performance code guarantees a minimum verifiable capacity level, cold-start power, and durability.

• The standard “EN IEC 60095-2 Part 2: Dimensions of batteries and dimensions and marking of terminals” applies to lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 Volts used for starting, igniting and firing passenger cars and light vehicles. All batteries conforming to this standard can be secured to the vehicle by means of protrusions around the casing or a fixing device attached to the casing. This standard specifies battery dimensions for Europe, East Asia and North America.

This standard essentially provides detailed specifications to guarantee mechanical compatibility and ease of use. It categorizes batteries into various size groups based on their length, width, height, and total volume. These dimensions are critical for compatibility with standard battery trays in vehicles. Batteries must adhere to specified tolerances (typically plus/minus 2 mm) to prevent installation problems. This standard also specifies handling characteristics, such as the placement and durability of carrying handles, to facilitate safe transport and installation.

This standard is a cornerstone of automotive reliability. By mandating standardized dimensions, it minimizes design variations, facilitates global trade, and supports aftermarket replacements. For vehicle manufacturers, compatibility ensures that batteries integrate seamlessly with engine control units and electrical systems. For the aftermarket, it allows consumers to confidently select compatible batteries without worrying about compatibility issues.

• The standard “EN IEC 60095-3 Part 3: Dimensions and marking of terminals” was a specific international standard defining the dimensions, terminal types, and fastening methods of lead-acid starter batteries used in heavy commercial vehicles and large equipment. This standard guaranteed mechanical and electrical interchangeability in global fleets. However, it was later withdrawn.
• The standard “EN IEC 60095-4 Part 4: Dimensions of batteries for heavy vehicles” applies to lead-acid batteries used for starting, igniting, and firing heavy trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, and agricultural trucks. The purpose of this standard is to define global requirements for the basic dimensions of starter batteries for Europe, North America, and East Asia. This standard comprises 12 types of “preferred type” batteries. It specifies the dimensions of four battery types for Europe (types A, B, C, and D2), North America (types 4D, 8D, 31T, and 31A), and East Asia (types E41, F51, G51, and H52).

This standard covers lead-acid starter batteries with the following specifications:

• Nominal voltage: 12 Volts
• Application: Starting, lighting and ignition in road vehicles.
• Technology: Water-based, low-maintenance and maintenance-free.
• Exclusions: Electric vehicles only, batteries for traction or stationary use.

This standard is fully compliant with other parts of the EN IEC 50342 standard, meaning a battery that passes the IEC 60095-4 standard also complies with the stricter European automotive requirements.

• The standard is “EN IEC 60095-5 Lead-acid batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles.” The EN IEC 60095 series of standards generally focused only on conventional 12-volt starter batteries for internal combustion engine vehicles. However, as electrification reshapes the automotive world, a new challenge has emerged: many hybrid and electric vehicles still require a conventional 12-volt lead-acid battery to power auxiliary systems, lighting, various systems, and safety functions, even if the main traction battery operates at 48 volts, 400 volts, or higher voltages. The EN IEC 60095-5 standard is specifically designed to address this new reality.

Traditional starter batteries are designed with the following assumptions in mind:

• Frequent engine starting
• Continuous alternator for charging.
• Relatively low auxiliary loads

However, modern electric vehicles reverse these assumptions:

• The internal combustion engine (if present) can only operate for 5-20 percent of the time.
• The 12-volt battery is charged from the high-voltage traction battery via a DC/DC converter.
• The auxiliary loads are much higher (advanced driver assistance systems, electronic parking brakes, always-on telematics, heated seats).
• Deep charging cycles and prolonged periods in partial charging states are common.
• Overcharge acceptance is required after regenerative braking or when the high-voltage battery is cold.

Standard batteries fail prematurely under these conditions.

The EN IEC 60095-5 standard closes this gap. For the first time, engineers designing the next generation of electric and hybrid vehicles have a single, globally recognized standard for the humble but indispensable 12-volt auxiliary battery. In short, the traditional battery isn't disappearing; it's simply evolving with the EN IEC 60095-5 standard.

• The standard “EN IEC 60095-6 Part 6: Batteries for microcycle applications” applies primarily to lead-acid batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 Volts, used as a power source for starting internal combustion engines, lighting, and also auxiliary equipment for these vehicles. These batteries are commonly referred to as starter batteries.

Batteries covered by this standard are used in vehicles for microcycle applications, also known as start-stop (or stop-start, idle-stop system, micro-hybrid, or idle-stop-start) applications. In vehicles with this special capability, the internal combustion engine is switched off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, idles at low speed, or idles where the vehicle's movement does not require support from the internal combustion engine. During the engine shutdown phases, most of the vehicle's electrical and electronic components are powered by the battery without alternator support.

In addition, most applications feature an extra regenerative braking function (recovery or regeneration of braking energy). Batteries in these applications are stressed in a completely different way compared to conventional starter batteries. Besides these additional features, these batteries must start the internal combustion engine in a standard operating mode with the support of the alternator while the engine is running, and support lighting and auxiliary functions. All batteries in this category fulfill the basic functions tested under the EN IEC 60095-1 standard.

This standard specifies general requirements and test methods for lead-acid batteries used in microcycle applications. This standard applies to batteries intended for the following purposes:

• Lead-acid batteries with dimensions conforming to IEC 600952 standards, suitable for vehicles capable of automatically shutting off internal combustion engines while stationary or in motion (start-stop).
• Lead-acid batteries with dimensions conforming to IEC 600952 standards for vehicles with start-stop applications that recover energy from braking or other sources.

Li-ion technology is outside the scope of this standard.

• The standard “EN IEC 60095-7 Part 7: General requirements and test methods for motorcycle batteries” applies primarily to lead-acid batteries used as power sources for starting internal combustion engines, lighting, and ignition of motorcycles and other motor sports vehicles. The nominal voltage is 12 Volts or 6 Volts.

The test definitions and criteria in this standard are only for batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 Volts. For batteries with a nominal voltage of 6 Volts, all voltages must be divided by two. Other motor sport vehicles covered in this standard include snowmobiles, personal watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles.

This standard does not apply to batteries intended for other purposes, such as backup power supplies, auxiliary equipment for internal combustion engine vehicles, and electric bicycles. This standard specifies the following:

• General requirements.
• Dimensions, basic functional characteristics, relevant test methods, and required results.
• “EN IEC 60095-8 Standard for 12-volt batteries used as auxiliary or backup in automobiles.” As automotive technology moves towards greater electrification and autonomy, the role of the traditional 12-volt lead-acid battery is also evolving. No longer just a starter for internal combustion engines, these batteries are increasingly being used as auxiliary energy storage devices, providing backup power for critical electronics, safety systems, and accessories when the engine is off or in hybrid configurations.

The EN IEC 60095-8 standard addresses this change. This standard sets specific requirements for applications in passenger cars that do not require a starter motor. It comes at a critical moment as vehicles incorporate more advanced low-voltage systems requiring reliable and compact power sources independent of the drive batteries. This standard fills a critical gap for the growing connected and electric vehicle market. In passenger cars, auxiliary batteries enhance safety by preventing electronic component failures during battery management system failures in high-voltage systems.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN IEC 60095 Lead-acid starter batteries" standard.