For new drivers, people who are unfamiliar with the inner workings of an automobile, or new EV/hybrid owners, understanding what a car battery does and where it's located may be a bit of a mystery. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how a car battery functions and where you can find it on most vehicles.
  

    

WHAT DOES A CAR BATTERY DO?

The answer to this question depends on the type of vehicle you're driving, but for most vehicles, the car battery provides the electric charge that gets the engine running and delivers electricity to the accessories on board. In combustion-engine vehicles, the battery is charged by an alternator that uses a portion of the energy spinning out from the engine as you drive. The alternator’s charge keeps the battery fully charged and ready to start the car the next time you turn the key.
  

Starting a combustion-engine vehicle uses a little less than 3% of the battery's total charge, so SLI batteries (Starting, Light, and Ignition) are designed with this in mind, since the starting process is the bulk of what a driver needs the battery to do. Engineers make these batteries to deliver maximum current for short periods. This burst of maximum current is needed to turn a dormant engine and begin the fuel combustion process that keeps it running. 
  

In hybrid or electric vehicles, there are two batteries. The main battery is a very large, very heavy, lithium-ion battery that sends power to the wheels and is charged by external electric power, either from a wall outlet or a charging station. Like batteries found in combustion-engine vehicles,  the auxiliary battery sends electricity to start the vehicle's computer. This battery is "float charged" through a DC-to-DC converter that draws power from the main battery. This battery also powers the electrical accessories on board, keeping things like power windows, lights, windshield wipers, and infotainment systems running.
  
  

WHERE IS MY CAR BATTERY LOCATED?

By far the most common location for car batteries is under the hood, inside the engine compartment. Some vehicles, such as larger, diesel-powered pickup trucks, may even have two batteries, one on each side. In hybrid or electric vehicles, the location of the auxiliary battery may vary based on the manufacturer’s attempts to distribute weight (batteries are really heavy), or due to space constraints under the hood.
 

As vehicles and their onboard technologies evolve, automakers are having to make space for even more sensors, wiring, cameras, and other advancements that take up a vehicle's precious real estate.
  

If you can't find your car battery under the hood, look inside your owner's manual for detailed location information. The good news is that even if your battery is in a trunk or under a wheel well, manufacturers usually provide access to positive and negative terminals under the hood for the purposes of jump-starting.  

WHAT ARE SOME STANDARD BATTERY LOCATIONS FOR DIFFERENT VEHICLES?

Below is a short list of the various locations for car batteries, based on the manufacturer. Keep in mind that although these battery locations are accurate, sometimes battery locations vary, even within the same make, model, and year. Remember, this is often due to added features and technology taking up space, or the manufacturers addressing uneven weight distributions.
  

If your battery location doesn’t match the list below, don’t panic! Your car still has a battery, and you likely have a specific setup that required the battery being moved. When in doubt, always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate information.
  

    

COMMON BATTERY LOCATIONS
   

• BMW 3 Series (2012-2021): Battery is under the hood on the right side.
• BMW 5 Series (2010-2021): Battery is in the trunk on the right side with jumper terminals under the hood.
• Chevy Cobalt SS: Battery is in the trunk but includes terminals under hood for jump-starting.
• Chevy Malibu (2013-2022): Battery is sometimes located in the trunk on the right side with jumper terminals under hood.
• Chevy Silverado (2014-2022): Battery is located under the hood, usually on the right side.
• Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger: Batteries are often in the left front wheel well, underneath the headlight. They include jumper terminals under the hood.
• Dodge Viper GTS: Battery is behind the rear wheel and requires removing the wheel entirely to get to the battery. Includes terminals under hood for jump-starting.
• Ford F-150 (2015-2022): Battery is located under the hood on the right side.
• Ford Focus (2012-2018): Battery is in the engine compartment on the right side.
• Honda Accord (2013-2021): Battery is located under the hood, usually on the left side.
• Honda Civic (2006-2021) Battery is located under the hood, usually on the right side.
• Mercedes C-Class (2012-2021): Battery is usually under the hood on the right side.
• Mercedes E-Class (2010-2021): Battery is usually in the trunk on the right side with jumper terminals under the hood.
• Nissan Altima (2007-2021): Battery is located under the hood on the right side.
• Nissan Rogue (2008-2021): Battery is located under the hood on the right side.
• Toyota Camry (2012-2021): Battery is located under the hood on the left side.
• Toyota Prius (2004-2012): Battery is in the trunk, rear left corner. Usually there are jumper terminals located in the fuse box under the hood.
• Volkswagen Jetta (2011-2021): Battery is under the hood, usually on the left side.
• Volkswagen Passat (2012-2021): Battery is under the hood, usually on the right side.

As you can see, the most common location for a car battery is under the hood but it’s also possible to find them stored in trunks or even wheel wells. Because it’s nonmotorized and heavy, the battery is one of the most versatile components when it comes to placement inside of a vehicle, and manufacturers often leverage this option when designing their vehicles.