What Kind of Battery Does the Audi R8 Use?

The Audi R8 uses a conventional 12‑volt lead‑acid starter battery (most commonly an AGM type in recent model years), not a hybrid or fully electric high‑voltage battery pack. While exact specifications vary by model year and market, the R8 across its generations has consistently been powered by a V8 or V10 combustion engine supported by a 12‑volt battery for starting and vehicle electronics.

Understanding the Audi R8’s Powertrain: No EV, No Hybrid

The core of the Audi R8’s identity is its naturally aspirated gasoline engine—first a V8 and, in later generations, primarily a V10. Unlike many modern performance cars, there is no mainstream production version of the R8 that uses a high‑voltage traction battery like a full electric vehicle (EV) or plug‑in hybrid (PHEV). Instead, the car relies on a traditional 12‑volt battery system.

That means the R8’s “battery” question is fundamentally about its low‑voltage electrical system: the unit that powers starting, control modules, lighting, and comfort systems. This distinguishes the R8 from models such as Audi’s e‑tron lineup, which use large lithium‑ion battery packs to drive electric motors.

The Main Battery Type: 12‑Volt Lead‑Acid (Often AGM)

Across both the first-generation (Type 42, roughly 2006–2015) and second-generation (Type 4S, 2015–2023) Audi R8, the primary battery is a 12‑volt lead‑acid battery. In later years and higher-spec trims, Audi typically specifies an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) variant for better durability, cold‑cranking performance, and resistance to vibration—important in high-performance vehicles.

Below are the usual characteristics of the R8’s 12‑volt battery as fitted by Audi in many markets; exact specs can vary slightly by model year, engine, and region, so the vehicle manual or parts catalog is the final authority.

• Type: 12‑volt lead‑acid, commonly AGM in newer models
• Purpose: Engine starting, powering ECUs, lighting, infotainment, safety and comfort electronics
• Capacity (Ah): Typically in the ~70–95 Ah range depending on version
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): High CCA rating to reliably crank the V8/V10, often 600+ A
• Location: Usually mounted in the front (trunk/frunk area) to aid weight distribution
• Technology trend: Earlier models may use conventional flooded lead‑acid; later models more commonly use AGM

Together, these characteristics mean the R8 uses a robust but conventional 12‑volt automotive battery, optimized for high current draw and reliability rather than energy storage for electric propulsion.

Key Generations and Battery Characteristics

First Generation Audi R8 (Type 42, ~2006–2015)

The first-generation R8, offered with V8 and later V10 engines, relied on a standard 12‑volt system. While markets and minor updates varied, the basic configuration remained a single 12‑volt battery up front combined with a traditional alternator driven by the combustion engine.

The first-generation battery setup was selected to support:

• High-current starting requirements for the V8 and V10 engines
• Growing electronic loads such as adaptive suspension, magnetic ride control (where fitted), and advanced infotainment
• Stable voltage for safety systems like ABS, ESP, and airbags

As electronic content increased over the life of the first-generation R8, battery capacity and specification were refined, but the underlying tech remained a 12‑volt lead‑acid architecture.

Second Generation Audi R8 (Type 4S, 2015–2023)

The second-generation R8 continued with a naturally aspirated V10 and a 12‑volt architecture, but with more sophisticated electrical management and, in many configurations, AGM batteries. These offer better cycle life and perform more reliably under the heavy electrical demands of modern supercars.

In the second generation, the battery is tailored to handle:

• Advanced driver-assistance systems (where fitted), such as parking sensors and cameras
• More complex infotainment and digital instrument clusters
• Increased background electronic loads, including comfort and connectivity features

This evolution refined the R8’s electrical reliability and performance, but it did not change the fundamental fact that the car lacks a high‑voltage traction battery and remains a combustion-only model.

What About Electric or Hybrid R8 Models?

The R8 e‑tron Concept and Limited Production

Audi did briefly explore an electric supercar under the “R8 e‑tron” name in the early-to-mid 2010s. This was an all-electric version of the R8 using a high‑voltage lithium‑ion battery pack. However, the R8 e‑tron was produced only in extremely limited numbers and was not widely sold to the general public.

Key points about the R8 e‑tron battery setup include:

• High-voltage traction battery: Large lithium‑ion pack used to drive electric motors
• 12‑volt system still present: A small 12‑volt battery remained to power low‑voltage electronics
• Rarity: Production was very limited and effectively experimental/halo in nature

Because of its rarity, most consumers, owners, and used‑car shoppers will never encounter an R8 e‑tron; for nearly every practical purpose, “the Audi R8” refers to the gasoline-only V8/V10 models with a standard 12‑volt battery.

No Mainstream Plug‑In Hybrid R8

Despite speculation over the years, Audi did not release a series-production R8 plug‑in hybrid with a substantial high‑voltage battery and electric-only driving capability. Instead, Audi shifted its electric strategy to dedicated EV lines such as the e‑tron GT and Q8 e‑tron.

This means that, in the used and current‑market context, anyone asking what battery the R8 uses is almost always asking about the conventional 12‑volt unit, not a hybrid or EV propulsion battery.

Replacing or Specifying a Battery for an Audi R8

For owners or prospective buyers looking to replace the R8’s battery, it is important to match both the electrical and physical specifications recommended by Audi. While exact figures vary by model year and market, general guidelines can help narrow choices.

Typical considerations for choosing a replacement battery for a gasoline Audi R8 include:

• Type and technology: AGM is often recommended or required, especially for later models
• Voltage: 12 V (standard automotive)
• Capacity: Match or exceed the Ah rating specified in the owner’s manual
• CCA rating: Sufficiently high to reliably start a high‑compression performance engine
• Physical size and terminals: Must fit the battery compartment and match terminal orientation
• Coding/registration: Some newer models may require battery registration or coding via diagnostic tools after replacement

Following the manufacturer’s specifications and, where relevant, performing proper electronic registration helps maintain reliable operation of the R8’s electronics and charging system.

How the R8’s Battery Fits into Its Overall Design

Beyond simply starting the engine, the battery in a high‑performance car like the R8 plays a crucial role in everyday usability and long-term reliability. High electrical loads—active suspensions, advanced ECUs, performance telemetry, and premium sound systems—make stable voltage essential.

Notable aspects of how the battery integrates into the R8’s design include:

• Weight distribution: Placing the battery toward the front helps balance the mid‑engine layout
• Thermal and vibration considerations: AGM batteries tolerate the harsh environment of a stiff, performance‑tuned chassis
• Standby drain: High-tech systems can drain the battery if the car sits unused for long periods, making battery conditioners (tenders) common among owners

This integration reflects that, even without electrified propulsion, battery selection and management are important engineering aspects in modern supercars like the R8.

Summary

The conventional Audi R8—across both major generations—uses a 12‑volt lead‑acid starter battery, most often an AGM type in later models, to power its electronics and crank its V8 or V10 gasoline engine. There is no mainstream hybrid or full‑EV R8 on the market, and the experimental R8 e‑tron electric variant was built in extremely limited numbers. For nearly all owners and shoppers, “the R8 battery” means a robust 12‑volt automotive unit located in the front of the car, selected for high cranking performance and durability rather than for electric propulsion.

What kind of battery does the 2017 Audi R8 take?

Duralast Platinum Group Size 94R H7 Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery H7-AGM.

What battery does the R8 use?

The Canon R8 camera uses the LP-E17 Lithium-Ion battery. The Audi R8, being a car, uses a different type of car battery, such as a BCI Group Size 94R or 48. 
For the Canon EOS R8 camera

• Official battery: The official battery is the Canon LP-E17 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack. 
• Third-party batteries: Many third-party brands also produce LP-E17 compatible batteries, such as Neewer, K&F CONCEPT, and others. 
• Power bank compatibility: The camera can also be powered or charged by external power banks, like the Anker PowerCore III Elite 26K 60W. 

For the Audi R8 car

• Consult a professional: It is best to check your specific car’s battery size, dimensions, and terminal layout to ensure compatibility. 
• Common battery types: Some common battery types for the Audi R8 include Duralast Platinum AGM Battery BCI Group Size 94R H7-AGM or a Super Start Platinum AGM battery Group Size 48 H6. 

Is LP-E6 and LP-E6N the same?

The slightly modified LP-E6N battery was released to coincide with the launch of Canon’s 7D Mark II DSLR camera in the back half of 2014. It is marginally more powerful than its counterpart. With a 3.5% higher mAh rating of 1865 mAh versus 1800 mAh for the LP-E6, it provides higher capacity for each battery charge.

What kind of battery does a 2011 Audi R8 take?

Super Start Platinum AGM Top Post Battery Group Size 48 H6 760 CCA 120 Minute RC – 48PLT.