Although many of us may not think about it often, the vehicles that we use every day are loaded with complex components and systems. These systems work in harmony, as a synthesis of mechanical and digital processes riding the coattails of scientific advancement. Despite their economic and environmental issues, modern vehicles are a culmination of human intelligence and resourcefulness.
One component that has been crucial since the early years of car manufacturing has been batteries. Since their invention in the early 1900s, car batteries have been a mainstay of car manufacturing. The early 1970s then saw the introduction of the sealed battery that we are familiar with.
At Interstate Batteries of Sun City, we know a thing or two about vehicle batteries. In this blog, we’ll discuss the modern batteries we see today, including the pros and cons of using each one
Lead-Acid
Lead-acid batteries were first invented by French physicist Gaston Planté in 1859, which were the very first rechargeable batteries ever at the time. This battery consists of a negative electrode made of porous or spongy lead, as well as a lead oxide positive electrode. If you don’t know, an electrode is just a conductor that contacts the nonmetallic part of any circuit.
The benefits of lead-acid batteries come with their low cost of manufacture, long lifespans, and their ability to supply high surge currents. Once lead-acid batteries were invented they took off, now representing a large number of batteries produced today.
The main downside to lead-acid batteries is their energy density. Lead-acid batteries actually have the lowest energy density, meaning it will need to be recharged pretty quickly. Today, you can find lead-acid batteries in a wide variety of applications across the globe.
Calcium Batteries
Calcium batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that uses a different alloy than normal lead-acid batteries. Instead of using lead-antimony, calcium batteries use lead-calcium or lead-calcium-silver alloys for the grid in the battery.
The benefit of this type of lead-acid battery is higher corrosion resistance, which improves battery life and maintains good starting power for longer. While these batteries do have clear advantages, they need to be used in specific situations where they can receive a high-enough charging voltage.
Deep Cycle Battery
Deep cycle batteries are another type of lead battery that is designed to provide long-lasting power deep into the battery’s discharge levels. Deep cycle batteries can be discharged up to 80% on average before deep performance drop-offs occur.
Deep cycle batteries are normally not used in normal vehicles like cars and trucks. Instead, you tend to see them more for recreational vehicles like golf carts, wave runners, and even for off-grid renewable energy.
AGM Batteries
Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are a modern spin on the lead battery. Up until the late 20th century, the standard lead-acid battery could fulfill most vehicle needs. Then, as cars continued to advance and add electronics, a new type of battery was needed. Enter AGM batteries.
AGM batteries use glass mats to cushion thin lead plates. This allowed more lead to be stored in the battery, which meant more power could be generated. This battery can also use valves to regulate gases during charging, which helps for power storage.
Over flooded batteries, AGM batteries tend to be safer, more durable, and recharge faster, among other benefits.
EFB Batteries
Enhanced flooded batteries (EFBs) are similar to the standard flooded battery we’ve used for 160+ years but have some modern improvements added. The improvements include improved charge, better cycling, and enhanced durability, among others.
EFBs are pretty common in vehicles that require more than a standard flooded battery can offer but don’t need an AGM battery.
Contact Us Today To Learn More
Need more information about the different types of batteries we offer? We’d be happy to help. To get started, contact us today via phone, email, or by visiting us in person!
