Varta

Varta M12 · Truck battery 12V 180Ah 1,400A

Reference: BOL-VARTA-M12 · EAN 4016987166277

The Varta M12 (ETN 680 011 140, also written M 12 or 680011140) is a truck battery with 12 V, 180 Ah and 1,400 A cold cranking current, measuring 513 × 223 × 223 mm.

Who the Varta M12 is for

The Varta M12 is a starter battery for trucks, tractors and machinery: high capacity, robust terminals and a build that withstands vibration and the starts of large engines. The M12 is fitted alone or in pairs, in series, for the 24 V system of many trucks.

Varta lists the M12 in its Promotive SLI line. More Varta batteries

Inside the M12: lead-acid technology

The M12 is a conventional lead-acid battery, with plates immersed in liquid electrolyte. Avoid leaving them discharged, as they sulphate, and charge them with a charger that cuts off or switches to maintenance when finished.

Varta M12 vs M18 and M7: which one to choose?

Torn between the M12 and another similar Varta? This is what changes:

ModelCapacityCold cranking (EN)Dimensions (mm)Weight
Varta M12 (this one)180 Ah1,400 A513 × 223 × 22346.42 kg
Varta M18180 Ah1,000 A513 × 223 × 22341.76 kg
Varta M7180 Ah1,100 A513 × 223 × 22344.99 kg
  • Varta M18: the same capacity, 400 A less cranking power, the same dimensions.
  • Varta M7: the same capacity, 300 A less cranking power, the same dimensions.

Equivalents and alternatives to the Varta M12

Batteries that fit the M12's tray with the same polarity; besides other conventional batteries, an EFB or AGM of this size is a valid upgrade for the M12.

ModelTechnologyCapacityCold cranking (EN)Dimensions (mm)
Exide EF1723Lead-acid172 Ah1,390 A513 × 223 × 223
Exide EJ1723Lead-acid172 Ah1,390 A513 × 223 × 223
Tudor TJ1723Lead-acid172 Ah1,390 A513 × 223 × 223
Tudor TF1723Lead-acid172 Ah1,390 A513 × 223 × 223
Fulmen FJ1723Lead-acid172 Ah1,390 A513 × 223 × 223
Deta DJ1723Lead-acid172 Ah1,390 A513 × 223 × 223

Part numbers and codes for the Varta M12

The M12 is listed under these codes on labels, in garages and in catalogues:

Commercial referenceM12 (M 12)
ETN code680011140 (also 680 011 140)
EAN4016987166277
Case size according to VartaB
Base hold-downB00
Also known asVarta M 12 · Varta 680011140 · Varta 680 011 140
Not to be confused withVarta E12 (74 Ah, 680 A, positive terminal on the left), Varta A12 (35 Ah, 340 A, positive terminal on the left), Varta M10 (190 Ah, 1,200 A)

What to look at before buying the M12

  • Check the EN amps on your battery: if it says 1,400 A or less, the M12 covers your engine.
  • Capacity of the M12: 180 Ah; the same as your current battery or slightly more is fine.
  • The M12 needs 513 × 223 × 223 mm of space: measure it with the hold-down clamp in place.

Frequently asked questions about the Varta M12

M12 or M18: which one suits me?

Compared with the M12, the Varta M18 has 400 A less cranking power. The M12 cranks harder; the M18 is only a good option if your original battery says 1,000 A or less. Both measure 513 × 223 × 223 mm, so they fit the same tray.

What does the code 680 011 140 on the Varta M12 mean?

It is its ETN (European Type Number), also written 680011140. The first three digits (680) encode voltage and capacity: 12 V and 180 Ah (5xx = under 100 Ah, 6xx = 100 to 199 Ah, 7xx = 200 Ah or more). The middle group (011) identifies the specific model within that capacity, and the last three digits (140) multiplied by 10 give the cold cranking current: 1,400 A.

How much does the Varta M12 weigh?

46.42 kg, with 180 Ah of capacity. For reference, the Varta M18 (180 Ah) weighs 41.76 kg.

Which battery is equivalent to the Varta M12?

With the same dimensions, polarity and similar capacity you have the Exide EF1723, Exide EJ1723 and Tudor TJ1723. As the M12 is a conventional battery, an EFB or AGM of the same size also works.

Which charger does the Varta M12 need?

An automatic lead-acid charger with cut-off or maintenance mode, rated at 10 to 20% of its capacity in amps. If it is a vented type, check the electrolyte level and top up only with distilled water.

Keep comparing: alternatives to the M12

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