Updated: · Technical data from the manufacturers' datasheets (how we write our datasheets)
The Exide EL600 and EL700 belong to the EXIDE EFB range, Exide's enhanced flooded batteries for cars with automatic engine stop and start. Between the two there is a jump in case size: the EL600 is an L2 (242 × 175 × 190 mm) and the EL700 an L3 (278 × 175 × 190 mm). That is why the EL700 has 10 Ah and 120 A more, but also needs 36 mm of extra space. Your car has already been assigned one of the two formats, and that is the one to repeat.
EL600 and EL700 specifications
| Spec | Exide EL600 | Exide EL700 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | EXIDE EFB | EXIDE EFB |
| Technology | EFB | EFB |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Capacity | 60 Ah | 70 Ah |
| Cold cranking (EN) | 640 A | 760 A |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | 278 × 175 × 190 mm |
| Case | L2 | L3 |
| Weight | 17.5 kg | 19.3 kg |
| Polarity | Positive terminal on the right | Positive terminal on the right |
| ETN code | — | — |
Where you notice the difference
- Space: 242 mm long for the EL600 against 278 mm for the EL700. Width, height and the position of the positive (right-hand side) stay the same.
- Energy on tap: the EL700 has 17 % more capacity, 70 Ah against 60 Ah.
- Winter starting: 760 A against 640 A, 19 % more.
- Weight: 17.5 kg for the smaller one and 19.3 kg for the larger.
What «EL» and the digits stand for
The first letter of the code is the brand (E for Exide) and the second the technology: L for EFB, K for AGM and A, B or C for conventional batteries. The digits hint at capacity: the EL600 has 60 Ah and the EL700 70 Ah. Their Tudor, Fulmen and Deta siblings follow the same logic, for instance the Tudor TL700 or the Fulmen FL600. The whole system is explained in Varta, Bosch, Exide and Tudor car battery equivalents table.
EL600 or EL700: making the call
- Exide EL600 if you are taking out an EL600 or a 60 Ah EFB in L2 format.
- Exide EL700 if you are taking out an EL700 or a 70 Ah EFB in L3 format.
- Each in its own tray: the EL700 will not fit an L2 space, and the EL600 is not held securely in an L3 one, besides giving you less capacity.
- If the car came with AGM, rule out both: the replacement is the Exide EK620 for L2 or the Exide EK720 for L3. Those same AGM batteries are also a possible upgrade if your car uses EFB.
Their Varta counterparts: N60 and N70
If you want the same battery from Varta, the Varta N60 matches the EL600 and the Varta N70 matches the EL700 on capacity, cranking current, case and polarity:
| Battery | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Case | Polarity | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exide EL600 | 60 Ah | 640 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | L2 | Positive terminal on the right | EFB |
| Varta N60 | 60 Ah | 640 A | 242 × 175 × 190 mm | L2 | Positive terminal on the right | EFB |
| Exide EL700 | 70 Ah | 760 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | EFB |
| Varta N70 | 70 Ah | 760 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | EFB |
The matching Varta comparison is Varta N60 vs N70: how the two EFB batteries differ.
No Start-Stop, no need for EFB
Fitting an EFB to a car without automatic stop is not a problem, but its main strength, coping with constant stops and restarts, goes unused. For those cars with a conventional L3 battery, Exide offers the Exide EB740, and Varta the Varta E11 and the Varta E44; we explain how those two Varta batteries differ in Varta E11 vs E44: the differences and which to choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace my EL600 with an EL700?
Only if the tray allows 36 mm more length, which is unusual. Measure the space and the base clamp before you decide.
Which Varta is the same as the Exide EL700?
The N70: also EFB, with 70 Ah, 760 A, an L3 case and the positive on the right. The EL600's partner is the N60.
My car has AGM. Will an EL700 do?
No. Stepping down from AGM to EFB would leave the battery struggling with the cycles the Start-Stop system was designed for. Look for an AGM such as the EK720 (or the EK620 if your case is L2).
Why the letter L in EL600 and EL700?
In Exide's naming, L identifies EFB technology, while K is reserved for AGM.
Does anything need setting up in the car after fitting an EL700?
On quite a few Start-Stop models, yes: the control unit that manages charging must know the battery is new and what type it is. The car's handbook or your garage will tell you how.