⭐ Type 0 vs Type 1 Battery Terminals – What’s the Difference? (NS60L vs NS60LS Explained)
When replacing a car battery, choosing the correct terminal layout is just as important as choosing the correct size. Many Japanese vehicles use the NS60L battery size, but not all of them use the same terminal orientation.
This is where Type 0 and Type 1 come in.
🔌 What Are Type 0 and Type 1 Battery Terminals?
Battery terminal types refer to the position of the positive (+) and negative (–) posts when the battery is facing you.
✔ Type 0 (Standard Polarity)
- Positive terminal on the LEFT
- Fits most Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Suzuki vehicles
✔ Type 1 (Reverse Polarity)
- Positive terminal on the RIGHT
- Fits vehicles where the battery cables are designed for reverse layout
⚠️ Why Terminal Type Matters
If you install the wrong terminal type:
- Battery cables won’t reach
- Cables may cross over the battery
- Risk of short circuit
- Car won’t start
- Battery may not sit correctly in the tray
Terminal orientation is critical for safe installation.
🔋 Type 0 vs Type 1 – Example Comparison Table
Here is a simple comparison using the popular NS60 battery group:
🚗 Real‑World Examples
Type 0 (NS60L) Vehicles
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Yaris
- Nissan Pulsar
- Mazda 2 / Mazda 3
- Hyundai Accent
- Suzuki Swift
Type 1 (NS60LS) Vehicles
- Some Nissan Tiida variants
- Certain Mazda models
- Vehicles with reversed cable layout
🧰 How to Check Your Terminal Type
- Stand in front of the battery.
- Look at the positive (+) terminal.
- If it’s on the left, you need Type 0 (NS60L).
- If it’s on the right, you need Type 1 (NS60LS).
❓ Q & A – Common Questions
Q: Can I install a Type 1 battery in a Type 0 vehicle?
No — the cables will not reach correctly. Always match the terminal type.
Q: Are Type 0 and Type 1 the same size?
Yes — the physical dimensions are the same. Only the terminal orientation changes.
Q: What happens if I install the wrong polarity?
The car may not start, cables may stretch or cross, and you risk electrical damage.
Q: Is NS60L the same as MF50B24L?
Yes — MF50B24L is the Supercharge equivalent of NS60L (Type 0).
Q: Is SS60LS the same as NS60LS?
Yes — SS60LS is the Super Start version of NS60LS (Type 1).
Q: Does CCA change between Type 0 and Type 1?
No — polarity does not affect CCA. CCA depends on the battery model and brand.
⭐ Conclusion
Choosing the correct battery terminal type is essential for safe installation.
- Type 0 = Positive Left (NS60L)
- Type 1 = Positive Right (NS60LS)
Always match the terminal orientation to your vehicle’s cable layout.
