Types of Car Batteries

The function of the automotive battery is well known. However, did you know that there are eight different kinds of batteries, each with unique advantages? 

In this post, we’ll discuss the various kinds of car batteries that are available.

Flooded Lead Acid Battery (Wet Cell)

The oldest type of automobile battery is the flooded lead acid battery, which is also the most widely used and least expensive. The SLI battery is another name for it and stands for “Starting, Lighting, Ignition.”

Wet cell batteries are used in flooded batteries. It normally has six cells with a liquid electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water. At full charge, it provides 12.6 volts.

It is a dependable battery for starting engines and offers sufficient electrical power for common car accessories. The electrolyte solution must be positioned vertically to minimise spills, and it must be topped off on a regular basis.

Silver Calcium Battery

The flooded battery technology was replaced by the invention of this battery type. It still has lead acid and an electrolyte solution, but instead of the lead-antimony plates found in a typical battery, it uses lead-calcium-silver plates.

It typically requires no maintenance and is sealed. In hotter environments, the silver calcium battery lasts longer since it is more corrosion-resistant and durable at high temperatures.

Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) 

A wet cell battery with improved performance is the EFB battery. It is a sealed battery with a liquid electrolyte solution that is intended to have twice the cycle endurance.

Gel Cell Battery (Dry Cell)

Gel cell batteries were created as a spill-proof alternative to flooded batteries. They are a particular kind of VRLA battery also referred to as dry cell batteries.

In contrast to flooded batteries, the gel battery uses calcium in place of antimony in the lead plates and silica to transform the electrolyte solution into a gel. It has a longer cycle life and is more shock and vibration resistant.

Absorbent Glass Mat Battery (AGM)

AGM batteries are VRLA batteries created to handle the increased electrical energy requirements of contemporary vehicles. The electrolyte solution is absorbed and kept in place by a fibreglass separator (a “glass mat”), which makes it similar to a wet cell battery.

In comparison to gel cell and flooded batteries, this battery type offers higher performance. In comparison to a standard battery, it can charge up to 5 times faster and last 3 times as many cycles. The AGM battery is perfect for cars with braking energy recovery and automatic start-stop applications. 

Deep Cycle Battery

A type of sealed or flooded lead acid battery is the deep cycle battery. Its cells have a denser active material and a thicker battery plate.

The deep cycle battery type is made to provide continuous power over an extended period of time with a decreased current consumption. It is also referred to as a marine battery since it is better suited to golf carts, leisure vehicles, and marine vehicles.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery

The lithium ion battery is frequently found in hybrid or electric vehicles (EV). More energy can be stored in the Li Ion battery, which also charges more quickly. Additionally, it is lighter than standard batteries, which is crucial for the electric vehicle. More miles may be travelled on a single charge with less weight.

Another benefit that makes lithium ion batteries a suitable choice for those who care about the environment is that the parts of these batteries are recyclable.

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery

Although it works well in some electric automobiles, the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery is frequently employed in hybrid vehicles. Compared to lead acid or lithium ion batteries, the life cycle of this hybrid battery is longer.