Updated: · Technical data from the manufacturers' datasheets (how we write our datasheets)
There is no difference in performance between the Varta E11 and the Varta E12: both deliver 74 Ah of capacity and 680 A of cold cranking in an L3 case measuring 278 × 175 × 190 mm. What changes is where the positive post sits: on the right on the E11, on the left on the E12. That one detail means you cannot use one in place of the other, so the only thing you need to find out is the polarity of the battery you have now.
The E11 datasheet next to the E12
| Spec | Varta E11 | Varta E12 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | VARTA Dynamic SLI | VARTA Dynamic SLI |
| Technology | Lead-acid | Lead-acid |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Capacity | 74 Ah | 74 Ah |
| Cold cranking (EN) | 680 A | 680 A |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | 278 × 175 × 190 mm |
| Case | L3 | L3 |
| Weight | 16.82 kg | 16.82 kg |
| Polarity | Positive terminal on the right | Positive terminal on the left |
| ETN code | 574 012 068 | 574 013 068 |
Look at the only two rows that differ: polarity and ETN (574 012 068 for the E11, 574 013 068 for the E12). Everything else, including the VARTA Dynamic SLI range and conventional lead-acid technology, is shared.
Checking polarity in three steps
- Stand in front of the battery so that the long side carrying the terminals is nearest to you.
- Find the post marked «+»; it normally has the red cable or a red cover.
- Is it on your right? You need an E11. On your left? An E12.
The label is another clue: the reference or the ETN confirms the model. Some catalogues add an R to the case code (L3R) to show reversed polarity; Car battery sizes: L1-L6, LB1-LB5, B and D (Asian) cases goes into this.
Why the opposite polarity will not work
- Cables too short: the positive and earth leads are cut just long enough to reach their own post; with the posts on the wrong side they do not reach or end up strained.
- Turning it round is no fix: rotate the battery and the posts move to the far side of the tray, while the base no longer seats as it should.
- Electrical risk: connecting positive to negative, even briefly, can blow fuses and damage the alternator or control units.
Choosing between E11, E12 and the alternatives
- Positive on the right: yours is the Varta E11.
- Positive on the left: yours is the Varta E12.
- More power with the positive on the right: the Varta E44 uses the same L3 case as the E11 and steps up to 77 Ah and 780 A; the comparison is in Varta E11 vs E44: the differences and which to choose. It is no good for a car that takes an E12, because its polarity matches the E11.
- Car with Start-Stop: neither the E11 nor the E12 belongs here. It needs EFB or AGM, equal to or better than what the car came with; see Varta N60 vs N70: how the two EFB batteries differ for EFB and Varta A7 vs A6: the differences and which to choose for AGM.
The E12 in other brands
In the coding shared by Exide, Tudor, Fulmen and Deta, the last digit changes with polarity. In this 74 Ah format, the reference ending in 0 (EB740) matches the E11 and the one ending in 1 (EB741) matches the E12. These are the E12 equivalents we carry:
| Battery | Brand | Technology | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Polarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exide EB741 | Exide | Lead-acid | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the left |
| Tudor TB741 | Tudor | Lead-acid | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the left |
| Fulmen FB741 | Fulmen | Lead-acid | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the left |
| Deta DB741 | Deta | Lead-acid | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | Positive terminal on the left |
For the E11, the Tudor TB740 and the Exide EB740 head the list you will find in Varta, Bosch, Exide and Tudor car battery equivalents table. In Bosch terms, the E11's ETN corresponds to the S4 008 and the E12's to the S4 009; this is only a hint for anyone switching from that brand, which we do not sell.
Every L3 battery is listed in L3 car batteries.
Frequently asked questions
Is the E12 just an E11 with the terminals swapped?
Exactly. They share capacity (74 Ah), cold cranking (680 A), dimensions and case; the E12 simply has its positive on the left-hand side.
My car has an E12. Can I fit an E11?
No: the posts would end up away from their cables. Always keep the polarity of the battery you are replacing.
Is there an E44 for cars that take an E12?
The E44 has its positive on the right, so it is only an alternative to the E11, not to the E12.
Which Exide matches the E12?
The EB741: identical figures with the positive on the left. The EB740 is the one for the E11.
Can an E11 or E12 go into a Start-Stop car?
No, neither is built for repeated stop and restart cycles. That car needs the technology it left the factory with (EFB or AGM) or a higher one.