How Much Does A Semi Truck Battery Weigh? (12 Cool Facts)

A semi truck’s battery weight is crucial to the overall performance of a vehicle.

In order to make the most out of your vehicle, ensure that you install the appropriate battery size.

If you want to make appropriate choices, read on and find out the battery weight best suited for your semi truck.

Here’s a quick answer to How Much does a Semi Truck Battery Weigh:

Typically, semi truck batteries weigh approximately 40 to 80 lbs. Larger batteries for auxiliary power weigh between 90 to 180 lbs. Electric truck batteries weigh about 1300 lbs per 100 kWh. The total battery weight in a semi truck will be more since semi trucks have between 3 to 6 batteries.

How Heavy is a Semi Truck Battery?

Semi truck industry is under the class 6-8 vehicles. On average, semi truck batteries weigh between 40 to 80 lbs.

Each battery type serves various purposes, and the fleet manager or operator chooses based on what environment the semi truck will operate. 

Here are the popular semi truck batteries and their weight:

Brand & Model	Battery Cell Type	Weight
Optima 8052-161 D31 M Starting Battery	Flooded	59.8 lbs.
Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M	AGM	77.8 lbs.
NorthStar NSB AGM31M	AGM	74.5 lbs
Megavolt 31T	Flooded	58 lbs.
DieHard 38232 Gold	AGM/Flooded	44.5 lbs.

How much does a Group 31 Battery Weigh?

Semi trucks heavily rely on group 31 batteries classified into flooded (starting or cycling), AGM, Gel, and Lithium Batteries. 

Lithium batteries, however, are not as popular to consumers due to their high price.

These types of batteries are also a few pounds lighter than the average weight of truck batteries. However, its features are a lot powerful than its counterparts; hence, the price is only reasonable.

Lithium batteries may weigh about 23 to 50 pounds. A typical 12.8V battery with 100Ah will have the power of 1.28 kWh. This may be used as a starting battery in a semi truck.

The most common group 31 batteries are Flooded, AGM, and Gel. Besides being robust and reliable, these battery types are also affordable and low maintenance. Thus, these batteries are the best-sellers.

These batteries weigh around 40 to 80 lbs.

Group 31 batteries are large and powerful batteries that are used in heavy-duty applications.

If you don’t see the “group 31” label while shopping for batteries, you can check the label “cranking” or “starting” batteries.

How much does a Diesel Truck Battery Weigh?

Diesel trucks vary in size, so the same goes for their engines and battery sizes.

However, the weight difference is for a few pounds only. But if you’re a bit meticulous about the size, the difference may be essential for you too. 

Diesel trucks commonly rely on Battery Council International (BCI) group 31, 34, 48. These groups involve medium to heavy-duty truck battery weight.

On average, the battery weight of these groups ranges between 37 to 75 lbs.

Some popular diesel truck batteries include:

The above batteries are under the most common semi truck battery groups.

Larger semi trucks may use auxiliary batteries to power up appliances in their trucks. Such batteries may include 4D, 6D, or 8D battery group sizes with a battery weight range of 90 to 180 lbs.

How Heavy is a Tesla Semi Truck Battery?

The Tesla semis are electric-powered vehicles. It comes with 300-mile and 500-mile models. The Tesla semis were unveiled by the Tesla company in 2017 while the production will start in 2022.

A Tesla battery is approximately 1,300 lbs. per 100 kWh.

For its 300-mile variant, a Tesla battery pack would weigh around 3,900 lbs. and for its 500-mile variant, the battery weight would be around 6,500 lbs.

As you can see, the Tesla batteries weigh more than diesel truck batteries.

While electric trucks can be more powerful, fuel-efficient, and environmental-friendly than the trucks we have known, this is quite a disadvantage for truck operators and companies. 

It’s a no-brainer that enormous battery weight means lesser payload. With lesser load means smaller profits, unless Tesla can find a solution for the battery weight problem.

Are Semi Truck Batteries Heavier than Car Batteries?

Semi truck batteries are indeed heavier than car batteries. 

A car’s battery weighs around 30 to 60 pounds. In contrast, the average battery weight of semi trucks is between 40 to 80 lbs. This weight can be more when it comes to extra-large trucks. 

Car and semi trucks also have different BCI groups, dimensions, weight, nominal capacity, and CCA requirements.

In addition, a truck battery requires a considerable weight because it needs more power to start an engine and lasts longer for more extended travel.

What does the Weight of a Battery Depend on?

The weight of a battery depends on many factors, such as battery capacity, temperature, and age.

Batter Capacity:

The battery capacity is the amount charged stored in the battery.

It will tell you how much energy it can provide to the vehicle at a given period. It’s crucial to know the battery capacity as your vehicle depends on the power it provides.

Temperature:

The battery weight also depends on its temperature. At high temperatures, the battery may weigh more as the energy also stored increases. 

However, elevating a battery’s temperature is not a safe way to increase a battery’s energy. This practice will affect the quality of life of a battery.

Age:

The age of the battery will impact the battery weight.

Even you follow the manufacturer’s specification, the battery weight as labeled in the manual may be reduced after several charges and discharge cycles. 

Take note that a semi truck battery life may last for about 3 to 5 years. A new battery will have more weight and produce more energy than an older one. 

How many Batteries are in a Semi?

Typically, semi trucks are equipped with three batteries. However, the number of batteries in a semi truck depends on the size of the vehicle.

There are commercial trucks with 2 or 6 batteries. You can add more batteries if you wish to add more power to your semi truck. 

What is the Collective Weight of All the Batteries?

Assuming the average battery weight is 40 to 80 lbs., a semi truck with three batteries would have between 120 to 240 lbs. of battery weight.

To identify the overall weight of the batteries in a semi truck, you only need to multiply its weight by the number of batteries.

You can determine the exact weight of each battery by checking the product specifications.

How to Pick Up a Heavy Battery to Install in a Semi?

To install a heavy battery in a semi truck, one needs a dedicated forklift. A forklift or lift truck is used to lift and move heavy material in short distances. 

Some forklifts are built explicitly for battery installation. They are commonly known as battery carriages. 

At the very least, it is ideal for a truck operator or freight company to have their forklift for safe installation and removal of batteries in a semi truck.

If you’re strong enough, you can lift them by hand, but obviously, this is not advisable from a safety aspect.

Can a Heavy Battery Affect the Performance of your Semi?

A heavy battery may either break or make the performance of a semi truck. As mentioned, the heavier the battery may be, the more powerful it would be.

This instance is only applicable when your semi needs a heavier battery to function. 

It’s crucial to follow the semi truck’s power requirement because when the battery is more extensive than it should be, it may cause overheating and shorten the battery’s life.

In contrast, a smaller battery or battery pack will not give power at all or will not last long for a day of travel.

Any Regulations on how Heavy a Semi Truck Battery can be?

There are no regulations on how heavy a semi truck battery can be.

The BCI is merely an organization of battery distributors and recyclers that provides industry-standard battery sizes and dimensions. This organization is not heavily regulated.

However, most operators and drivers just follow the 80,000 lbs., which is the maximum weight limit of a semi truck. 

As long as the semi truck’s overall weight doesn’t exceed 80,000 lbs, you’re good to go.

What size Battery should you Install in your Semi Truck?

The size of the battery you need to install depends on the size of the semi, how long it will be used, and the environmental condition it will operate. 

Generally, the recommended size specified in the vehicle’s manual should be the battery size of your truck. You can also check the original battery installed in your semi truck.

If either of the two options is not available, you can determine the appropriate battery and size for your truck through the following steps:

1. Identify your semi truck’s battery group size.

Auto batteries are categorized by group size. Most semi trucks are under group 31, but you still need to check your old battery to be sure. 

The BCI group size for semi trucks will be crucial in selecting the appropriate battery size as the incorrect size can be too tight or too loose for your truck.

If the label of the old battery doesn’t provide a battery group size, you may check the battery’s manual. The battery group size is located under the specifications.

2. Find the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

CCA is the measurement used for batteries to define their capability to start an engine, especially in cold temperatures. 

On the side or top of the original battery, there’s a number beside the CCA label. Buy the same label if you wish to replace the old battery. You can also check the truck manual to identify the CCA rating.

Generally, the CCA of most semi trucks ranges between 700 to 1200. 

3. Know the truck’s battery cell type

The types of battery are AGM, flooded, lithium, and Gel. AGM is the most popular battery type. Again, the original battery of your truck may indicate its battery cell type. 

4. Choose a brand and the best warranty

Some trucks produce their own batteries, so you may not choose the brand you want. However, when you can, choose the most recognized brands.

The most popular brands are North Star, Optima, Die Hard, and Odyssey. For the best warranties, Optima, NorthStar, and Odyssey provide the most generous warranties.

Choosing the correct battery for a semi truck can be a daunting task.

Take the time to find the appropriate ones to ensure that your truck’s battery is efficient, long-lasting, and is up to the task.