Selecting the right battery for your Fiat 500C Convertible 2009 and newer is a crucial aspect of maintaining your vehicle’s reliability, especially since this charming convertible is often enjoyed on both everyday commutes and longer weekend adventures. The Fiat 500C is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, including the 1.2, 1.4, 0.9 TwinAir, 1.4 Abarth, and 1.3 D Multijet diesel. Each engine type, as well as the presence or absence of a Start-Stop system, determines which battery is the most suitable for your car. Choosing the right battery is not just about fitting the physical dimensions, but also ensuring the electrical characteristics meet the demands of your specific model.
The earliest versions, such as the 1.4 (100 HP) and 1.4 Abarth without Start-Stop, use a traditional lead-acid battery. For these models, the recommended capacity ranges from 44 Ah for the 1.4 (100 HP) to between 50 and 58 Ah for the more powerful 1.4 Abarth. The cold cranking amperage (CCA) should be between 400 and 540 A, depending on the variant. Example compatible battery models include Bosch S40 00, Exide EB440, Varta B36 for the standard 1.4, and Bosch S40 02, Exide EA530, and Varta C22 for the Abarth version. These are just illustrative suggestions and many reputable brands offer comparable batteries that meet the required specifications. It’s always wise to double-check the battery tray size and terminal layout before purchasing.
For Fiat 500C Convertibles equipped with the Start-Stop system, such as the 0.9 TwinAir, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.4 Abarth engines, the battery requirements become more sophisticated. Here, the car demands an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery), which is designed to withstand frequent charge and discharge cycles inherent to Start-Stop technology. The recommended battery capacity is generally 60 to 65 Ah, with a cold cranking amperage between 560 and 640 A. Some popular, compatible EFB battery models include Bosch S4 E05, Exide EL600, Varta D53, and Varta N60. These batteries are engineered for enhanced durability, making them ideal for urban driving with frequent stops and starts. Using a standard lead-acid battery in a Start-Stop vehicle can result in premature battery failure and potentially compromise the Start-Stop system’s effectiveness.
Diesel versions, such as the 1.3 D Multijet, also follow a similar pattern. Without Start-Stop, they utilize conventional lead-acid batteries within the 50 to 58 Ah and 420 to 540 A range, similar to the higher-powered petrol models. When equipped with Start-Stop, they require the same EFB batteries as outlined above for petrol Start-Stop models. Always ensure that the battery you select is specifically designed for diesel engines, as they typically require higher starting currents, especially in colder climates.
One interesting aspect of the Fiat 500C’s battery setup is the shift towards EFB technology in Start-Stop variants. EFB batteries, while more expensive than standard lead-acid types, offer significantly better resilience against deep discharge and cycling. This is particularly valuable in city driving conditions, where the Start-Stop system is frequently activated. In fact, using the wrong battery type in these vehicles can lead to electrical issues, reduced fuel efficiency, or even malfunction of the Start-Stop feature.
It’s also important to consider your driving habits when selecting a battery. Drivers who use their Fiat 500C mainly for short city trips may find their batteries discharging more quickly, as the alternator doesn’t have enough time to recharge the battery fully. Therefore, choosing a battery with a slightly higher capacity, within the recommended range, can provide an extra margin of reliability. Additionally, for convertible owners who may store their cars over the winter, using a smart battery charger to maintain the battery’s charge can significantly extend battery life.
Lastly, while brands like Bosch, Exide, Varta, and Lucas are frequently recommended, there are many other reputable manufacturers producing batteries that meet the Fiat 500C’s requirements. Always prioritize batteries from established brands with good warranties. Remember that a high-quality battery is an investment in trouble-free motoring and ensures you get the most enjoyment out of your stylish Fiat 500C Convertible for years to come.
Fiat 500C in version Convertible is produced from 2009. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Fiat 500C (2009-):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Fiat 500C Convertible – petrol engines:
- 1.4 (100 KM)
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 00 | 44 Ah 420 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB440 | 44 Ah 400 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic B36 | 44 Ah 420 A | 175x175x190 mm | More |
Fiat 500C Convertible – petrol engines:
- 1.4 Abarth
| 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 500C Convertible – petrol engines:
- 0.9 – with Start-Stop
- 1.2 – with Start-Stop
- 1.4 – with Start-Stop
- 1.4 (100 KM) – with Start-Stop
- 1.4 Abarth – 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 500C Convertible – diesel engines:
- 1.3 D Multijet
| 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 500C Convertible – 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 |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Fiat 500C , 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!