Truck Batteries for the Latin American Market
Latin America follows the BCI standard — Group 31 and 8D sizes to match North American heavy trucks — with SAE J537 cold-cranking ratings. DINWEY supplies these group sizes on request, with OEM customization for importers and distributors.
Key Takeaways
- BCI Group 31/8D is the regional standard — matching North American heavy trucks, rated to SAE J537 at −18°C.
- Made to order — BCI sizes are supplied on request via our BCI production line, with OEM/private-label customization.
- Standards are not interchangeable — BCI group numbers differ from JIS model codes and DIN capacity codes; match the battery to the vehicle and its tray.
- OEM speed matters — importers value a fast drawing-to-sample turnaround, with brand and packaging built to spec.
Battery Standards for the Region
Latin America's heavy-truck fleet is dominated by North American makes, which use BCI (Battery Council International) group sizes — principally Group 31 and 8D. CCA is tested to SAE J537 at −18°C. European and Japanese vehicles also appear in some markets, so an importer may need DIN or JIS coverage alongside BCI. DINWEY's BCI line is produced to order, so a distributor can specify Group 31 or 8D and get the exact size their market requires.
| Standard | Issuing body | CCA test | Heavy-duty sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCI | Battery Council International | SAE J537 (−18°C) | Group 31, 8D |
| JIS | Japanese Industrial Standards | JIS D5301 (−15°C) | N150, N200 |
| DIN/EN | Deutsches Institut für Normung | EN 50342-1 (−18°C) | DIN88, DIN100 |
OEM & Private Label for the Region
Latin American importers consistently value customization speed — moving from a drawing to an approved sample with brand, packaging and terminal type built to spec. DINWEY's OEM program covers the full private-label scope: brand, packaging, specification and terminal type, for distributors, importers and brands worldwide.
Import & Compliance
Import documentation and any conformity requirements vary by country and evolve over time. Treat figures as indicative and confirm the current certification, labelling and tariff position with your importer or freight forwarder before each shipment.
Product Lines for the Region
BCI Group 31 / 8D
North American group sizes, made to order via our BCI production line.
View BCI (on request) →Fleet & OEM
Bulk supply, batch consistency and private-label customization for importers.
View Fleet Programs →Frequently Asked Questions
What battery standard does Latin America use for trucks?
Latin America predominantly follows the BCI standard — Group 31 and 8D sizes — matching North American heavy trucks, though European and Japanese vehicles also appear. Match the battery to the vehicle and its tray.
Can DINWEY supply BCI Group 31 and 8D batteries?
Yes, made to order via our BCI production line. BCI group sizes carry SAE J537 cold-cranking ratings (tested at −18°C), and we supply them on request for Latin American and North American fleets.
What is the difference between BCI and JIS sizing?
BCI uses group numbers (31, 8D) defined by the Battery Council International for North America and Latin America, with CCA tested to SAE J537 at −18°C. JIS uses model codes (N150, N200) for Asia and Africa, tested to JIS D5301 at −15°C. They are not interchangeable — match the standard to the vehicle.
Do you export batteries to Latin America?
Yes. DINWEY supplies BCI Group 31/8D on request, plus OEM customization, to importers and distributors across Latin America, with per-batch test data and full shipping documentation.
📚 Read more: JIS vs DIN vs BCI Standards