A battery is one of the most important parts of a car. Without it, your car is as useless as an elaichi in a biryani. The battery powers every single thing in your car. It is the source of power for the starter that ignites the engine. Moreover, every electric function in your car works because of the battery. From the headlight to the power windows, batteries power everything. With the world going electric, batteries are even more important as they are also responsible for moving the car. However, what are the best batteries? What is the different type of batteries?
When you go out looking for a new powerhouse, these questions pop into your mind. The many, many names in the market often confuse buyers. For example, Livguard is the top battery brand in India, but which battery to choose? Livguard makes different types of batteries, and you can choose one depending on your requirements. And we’ll help you distinguish between the different types. So today, let’s discuss the different types of automotive batteries!
6 different types of automotive batteries are dominant in the market. While Livguard can help you with each one, you should be able to identify which one suits your car and your needs.
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Lead Acid Batteries
This is one of the oldest types of automotive batteries in the market. It is the most affordable and the most serviceable kind as well. Lead acid batteries are also known as ‘wet-cell’ batteries. This is because it consists of several cells filled with a liquid electrolyte solution of sulphuric acid and water. It can supply a voltage of up to 12.6V at full capacity. It is very easy to maintain because the only thing you have to keep in mind is to top up the solution periodically. On average, these automotive batteries can last 3-5 years. The solution in these batteries can spill. Therefore, you must make sure that it is stored vertically.
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Silver Calcium Batteries
These batteries were designed to function as an improvement over the typical wet-cell batteries. They also use an electrolyte solution. However, they have silver-calcium plates instead of the lead-antimony plates in the older type. These batteries are usually sealed, so there’s no issue of spillage. They are more resistant to corrosion and function well even at high temperatures. They need a higher charging voltage to perform optimally. The life of these batteries is slightly lesser as they deteriorate a bit faster due to sulfation. 
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Enhanced Flooded Batteries
This is another improved version of lead-acid batteries. It also worked better than silver-calcium batteries. EFBs also contain cells filled with an electrolyte solution, but this one is completely sealed. These automotive batteries can power up to 85,000 engine start-ups instead of 30,000 on a typical wet-cell battery. Since they are permanently sealed, there are no spills or leaks.
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Gel Cell/Dry Cell Batteries
Dry cell batteries use a thick gel instead of a liquid electrolyte solution. These automotive batteries are also permanently sealed and use silver calcium plates instead of lead antimony. The gel in these batteries is a mixture of the electrolyte solution and silica that thickens the liquid. These batteries have an enhanced life cycle and are more resistant to shock and vibrations.
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Absorbent Glass Mat Battery (AGM)
These automotive batteries are designed to take on a higher toll and power more electronics in modern vehicles. It is a VRLA (valve-regulated lead acid) battery where a fibreglass separator absorbs the electrolyte solution and keeps it in place. It is a much better alternative to a dry cell or a wet cell battery as it can charge up to five times faster and last up to three times longer. However, efficiency comes at a price. These automotive batteries are 100% more expensive than conventional lead-acid batteries.
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Deep Cycle Batteries
These automotive batteries are designed to go through fast and multiple charge and discharge cycles. They deliver small amounts of power for elongated periods. Deep cycle batteries are best suited for recreational vehicles like golf carts or electric go-carts. They are also known as marine batteries because of their expensive usage in marine products.
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SLI Batteries (Start, Lighting, and Ignition)
SLI batteries power the start-up of an internal combustion engine (ICE). These automotive batteries discharge at a higher rate since they deliver a lot of energy at a time. In vehicles, these batteries power all the electronics like headlights, and music systems, amongst other features. The only problem with these batteries is that they take a very long time to charge.
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Lithium Ion Batteries (Li-Ion)
These are the most common types of batteries for hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. They charge very quickly and can deliver maximum power from the very start. They are also considerably lighter, which is essential for electric vehicles. These batteries are very expensive and typically last between 5-10 years. The parts of lithium-ion batteries are recyclable, making them more friendly to the environment.
Related – Why the Tata Tigor EV should be your first electric car!
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Nickel Metal Hydride Battery
A NiMH battery can be applied in hybrid and electric vehicles as well. These types of automotive batteries have a longer life than lithium-ion batteries. The issue with these batteries is that they discharge very quickly, emit a lot of heat, and are very expensive. For these reasons, these batteries are not widely used in electric vehicles.
Also, Read – Symptoms of a failing battery
How to choose the right battery?
Well, now that you know the various types of automotive batteries, you should understand how to choose the right one. Well, Livguard has one of the best collections of various batteries. They can help you select the right battery for you. Moreover, Livguard offers up to 72 months of warranty for their batteries!
There are a few things you should consider before replacing your car’s battery-
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Voltage
The most commonly used batteries in India are lead acid batteries. These batteries typically deliver 12.6V at maximum capacity. This is something that you should get checked before buying the battery. The current of these batters is measured in amps. The electrolyte solution consists of 65% os water and 35% of distilled water.
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CCA
The CCA or cold cranking amps rating is the number of as a battery can produce in 30 seconds under a temperature of -17 degrees celsius. The higher the CCA rating, the easier it will be for a car to start. Typical CCA ratings stand between 350-600.
Batteries are one of the most important components of your car, if not the most important. Livguard is one of the best battery makers in India, and their wide range of batteries can fit right into your requirements. Now that you clearly understand the different types of automotive batteries, you can go up to Livguard and choose the best battery for your car!
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