Choosing the right battery for your Fiat 500L (2012-) is crucial not only for reliable starting but also for ensuring the proper functioning of all electrical systems, especially considering the increasing amount of electronic features in modern cars. The Fiat 500L comes with a variety of engine options and different start-stop system configurations, which significantly influence the type and specification of the battery required. Understanding these differences is essential to avoid premature battery failure and to make sure your vehicle operates smoothly in all conditions.
For models equipped with the 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine without the start-stop system, the recommended battery technology is the traditional lead-acid type. In this case, the battery should have a capacity between 50 and 58 Ah, with a cold cranking amperage (CCA) ranging from 420 to 540 A. Some example-compatible batteries for this configuration include Bosch S40 02, Bosch S50 02, Exide EA530, Exide EB500, Halfords HCB 012, Lucas LP079, Lucas LS012, Varta C22, and Varta C30. These models are well-suited for standard ignition demands and everyday driving, offering reliable performance without the need for enhanced cycle durability provided by newer battery technologies.
However, the scenario changes considerably when your Fiat 500L is equipped with a start-stop system, which is present in engines such as the 0.9, 0.9 Natural Power, 1.4 petrol, 1.3 D Multijet, and 1.6 D Multijet. Start-stop technology automatically turns off the engine at stops to save fuel and reduce emissions, but this feature also places significantly more stress on the battery, requiring it to withstand many more charge and discharge cycles than a conventional battery. Because of this, EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) technology is required for these models, as it is specifically designed to deliver greater cycle stability and support frequent engine restarts.
For the 0.9, 0.9 Natural Power, 1.4 petrol, and 1.3 D Multijet engines with start-stop, the suitable battery capacity is between 60 and 65 Ah, with a CCA ranging from 560 to 640 A. Example battery models that fit these requirements include Bosch S4 E05, Exide EL600, Halfords EFB 027, Lucas LE027, Varta D53, and Varta N60. These batteries are designed to cope with the electrical demands of frequent engine restarts, as well as the increased energy consumption from in-car entertainment, air conditioning, and other electronic systems that remain active even when the engine is off.
For the more powerful 1.6 D Multijet engine with start-stop, the requirements increase to a capacity between 70 and 75 Ah and a CCA from 650 to 760 A. Some suitable EFB battery models for this version are Bosch S4 E08, Exide EL700, Halfords EFB 096, Lucas LE096, Varta E45, and Varta N70. These batteries not only provide the higher starting power required by diesel engines but also handle the increased cycling associated with the start-stop system. Choosing a battery with specifications that match or exceed these recommendations is essential for reliable operation, especially during cold starts or when using multiple electrical accessories.
One interesting aspect about selecting a battery for modern vehicles like the Fiat 500L is the increasing use of battery management systems (BMS). These systems monitor the health and charge status of your battery and often require that any new battery is registered or coded to the car’s computer after replacement. While this is more common in premium vehicles, it is becoming increasingly relevant even in mainstream models. Using the correct type of battery, such as EFB for start-stop applications, is crucial not only for warranty purposes but also to avoid issues with the BMS or other electronic components.
In summary, the most important factors when choosing a battery for your Fiat 500L (2012-) are matching the battery technology to your engine’s requirements (lead-acid for standard systems and EFB for start-stop), ensuring the capacity and CCA meet or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations, and considering reputable brands and models that are known for reliability. The examples listed above are some of the most commonly recommended and readily available options, but always double-check compatibility with your specific vehicle variant and consult with a specialist if in doubt. Finally, remember that investing in a high-quality battery not only ensures smoother operation but also helps protect the sensitive electronics in your modern car—a worthwhile consideration as automotive technology continues to evolve.
Fiat 500L is produced from 2012. We invite you to a list of batteries matching individual engine versions.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Fiat 500L (2012-):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Fiat 500L – petrol engines:
- 1.4 T-Jet
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB500 | 50 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA530 | 53 Ah 540 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 012 | 52 Ah 450 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS012 | 58 Ah 520 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
Fiat 500L – petrol engines:
- 0.9 – with Start-Stop
- 0.9 Natural Power – with Start-Stop
- 1.4 – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 EFB S4 E05 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide EFB EL600 | 60 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced EFB 027 | 65 Ah 600 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion EFB LE027 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB N60 | 60 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB D53 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
Fiat 500L – diesel engines:
- 1.3 D Multijet – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 EFB S4 E05 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide EFB EL600 | 60 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced EFB 027 | 65 Ah 600 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion EFB LE027 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB N60 | 60 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB D53 | 60 Ah 560 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
Fiat 500L – diesel engines:
- 1.6 D Multijet – with Start-Stop
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 EFB S4 E08 | 70 Ah 650 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide EFB EL700 | 70 Ah 720 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Advanced EFB 096 | 75 Ah 700 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Fusion EFB LE096 | 70 Ah 650 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB N70 | 70 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic EFB E45 | 70 Ah 650 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Fiat 500L , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!