Choosing the right battery for your Renault Trafic I produced between 1981 and 2000 is crucial for the vehicle’s reliability and overall performance, especially considering the variety of petrol and diesel engines available during these years. The correct selection depends largely on the type of engine your vehicle has, its displacement, and whether your van is equipped with the Start-Stop system, which, in the case of this generation, it is not. As all variants in this era of the Trafic I do not feature Start-Stop technology, you can focus exclusively on traditional lead-acid batteries, which are both widely available and cost-effective.
For petrol engines, Renault Trafic I was available in several versions, including 1.7, 2.0, 2.2, and the 2.2 4×4. The recommended battery capacity for the 1.7 petrol engine ranges from 44 to 58 Ah, with a cold cranking amperage (CCA) between 360 and 540 A. This means that you should look for a battery that fits these specifications to ensure reliable starts and adequate power supply for all onboard electronics. Some example battery models that match these requirements include Bosch S30 02, Bosch S40 02, Bosch S50 02, Exide EA530, Exide EB500, Exide EC440, Halfords HCB 012, as well as Lucas LP012, Lucas LP079, Lucas LS012, Varta B19, Varta C22, and Varta C30. These models are just indicative of what fits; you can always compare alternatives with similar parameters.
Moving up to the 2.0 and 2.2 petrol engines, including the 4×4 version, the battery requirements become slightly more demanding due to the increased engine displacement. Here, the recommended capacity is between 55 and 65 Ah, with CCA values from 460 to 640 A. This ensures the battery delivers sufficient power for the higher compression of these engines, especially in colder climates. Some suitable battery models for these engines include Bosch S30 05, Bosch S40 05, Bosch S50 05, Exide EA640, Exide EB620, Exide EC550, as well as Halfords HB 027, Halfords HCB 027, Lucas LP027, Lucas LS027, and Varta C14, Varta D15, Varta D24. Again, these are just examples, but they illustrate the typical size and performance you should target for optimal results.
For diesel engines, which usually require more robust batteries due to their higher compression ratios, Renault Trafic I offered several variants, such as the 1.9 D, 2.1 D, 2.5 D, and the 2.5 D 4×4. All these diesel engines from this generation require batteries with a capacity between 70 and 78 Ah and a CCA ranging from 640 to 780 A. This is necessary to cope with the greater power demands of diesel starting systems, particularly in winter. Example compatible batteries in this range include Bosch S30 08, Bosch S40 08, Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, Exide EB740, Exide EC700, as well as Halfords HB 096, Halfords HCB 096, Lucas LP096, Lucas LS096, and Varta E11, Varta E13, Varta E44. Always ensure the chosen battery fits physically into the battery bay of your vehicle, as dimensions can sometimes vary between manufacturers.
It’s worth mentioning that all recommended batteries are of the conventional lead-acid type, as this technology is well-matched to the electrical systems in vehicles of this era. Lead-acid batteries are appreciated for their robustness, affordability, and ease of recycling, which is an important ecological consideration. If you want to maximize longevity and reliability, consider periodically checking the battery’s charge level, cleaning the terminals, and avoiding deep discharges.
Interestingly, the Renault Trafic I, despite its utilitarian nature, was ahead of its time in terms of modularity and utility, making it a favorite among tradespeople, campers, and even emergency services across Europe. This versatility also means that electrical demands can vary—especially if your Trafic has been converted into a camper or fitted with extra accessories, in which case you might consider a slightly higher capacity battery within the allowed range for more reserve power.
When choosing a battery, always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific engine model and never go below the minimum specified capacity or CCA. However, a slightly higher-capacity battery within the recommended range can offer additional peace of mind, particularly if you drive in colder climates or use your van for short trips, where the battery has less time to recharge. In summary, matching the battery’s specifications to your engine type and driving needs will ensure that your Renault Trafic I remains a reliable workhorse for years to come.
Renault Trafic in version I was produced in the years 1981 – 2000. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Renault Trafic (1981-2000):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Renault Trafic I – petrol engines:
- 1.7
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 02 | 45 Ah 400 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 02 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 02 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC440 | 44 Ah 360 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 LP012 | 45 Ah 390 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP079 | 50 Ah 420 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS012 | 58 Ah 520 A | 210x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic B19 | 45 Ah 400 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic C22 | 52 Ah 470 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic C30 | 54 Ah 530 A | 207x175x190 mm | More |
Renault Trafic I – petrol engines:
- 2.0
- 2.2
- 2.2 4×4
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 05 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 05 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 05 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC550 | 55 Ah 460 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB620 | 62 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA640 | 64 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 027 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 027 | 62 Ah 550 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP027 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS027 | 65 Ah 640 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic C14 | 56 Ah 480 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D24 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D15 | 63 Ah 610 A | 242x175x190 mm | More |
Renault Trafic I – diesel engines:
- 1.9 D
- 2.1 D
- 2.5 D
- 2.5 D 4×4
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 08 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC700 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 096 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E13 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Renault Trafic , 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!