Different Batteries and Different Charging Methods
Let’s talk battery types and the different charging needs. It is critical for proper battery charging and battery longevity as improper charging can damage your battery. With the cost batteries, proper charging is more important than ever.
We investigate the different types of battery commonly found in motor vehicle, and the different Traction battery chargers suitable for the battery type.
Lead Acid
Lead acid batteries are just as it says, lead plates and acid that equals six cells. Each cell of the lead plate design produces approximately 2.0 volts.
Lead-acid is the first ever rechargeable battery and invented in the late 1800s as was quickly adopted for early automobiles, including early electric cars. They have a relatively low energy density compared to other types of rechargeable batteries but they are inexpensive and these are the most commonly used battery type. They have a relatively short cycle lifespan and suffer from sulphur build up on the plates. Read more on how Traction Direct carries out desulphation on batteries.
Traction Direct is one of the very first companies to develop the car battery de-sulfation process in the 1980s.
All lead-acid storage batteries will develop sulphate during their life time, so our Traction MPL50 charger has battery desulphation technology making it ideal for lead acid batteries.
All our Traction battery chargers, battery support units and showroom support units are designed to work with lead acid batteries.
Calcium (Ca/Ca)
A calcium battery is a lead acid battery with a calcium component added to the plates which helps reduce water loss through gassing. This calcium component also helps lower the self-discharging so can improve its lifespan. It is considered to be slightly better than lead acid batteries due to their improved starting power, which is useful when the temperature drops. Most automotive lead acid batteries will in fact be calcium batteries now to offer motor vehicles a higher service life.
All lead-acid storage batteries will develop sulphate during their life time, so our Traction MPL50 charger has battery desulphation technology making it ideal for Calcium lead acid batteries.
All our Traction battery chargers, battery support units and showroom support units are designed to work with lead acid batteries.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
AGM batteries are an advanced lead-acid battery. Their designed, with an absorbent fibreglass mat that stores electrolyte and have a much longer lifespan than standard lead acid batteries. They can handle changes in temperature and humidity more effectively, offer minimal gassing and acid leakage, and are generally a more durable reliable option. They are designed to support the higher electrical demands of today’s vehicles especially those with start-stop applications. A variant of the AGM battery is the Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) which is considered a lower-tier option to the traditional AGM, offering durability and performance, and often used in cars with simple start-stop technology.
All lead-acid storage batteries will develop sulphate during their life time, so our Traction MPL50 charger has battery desulphation technology making it ideal for AGM lead acid batteries.
All our Traction battery chargers, battery support units and showroom support units are designed to work with AGM lead acid batteries.
GEL
A gel battery is very similar to an AGM. This is also a modification of the standard lead acid type. In this case a gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Generally, gel batteries are less tolerant of high heat and are charged at lower power than traditional or AGM batteries which makes them more susceptible to damage if the incorrect charge is used. Because the gel turns the acid inside the battery into a thick liquid it becomes spill-proof and can be stored at an angle. So, they’re particularly good for marine technology and mobility vehicles.
All lead-acid storage batteries will develop sulphate during their life time, so our Traction MPL50 charger has battery desulphation technology making it ideal for GEL batteries.
All our Traction battery chargers, battery support units and showroom support units are designed to work with AGM lead acid batteries.
Pb
Pb is the two-letter identifier for lead in the Periodic Table of Elements, so if you see this on your battery you know it’s a lead-acid battery.
All lead-acid storage batteries will develop sulphate during their life time, so our Traction MPL50 charger has battery desulphation technology making it ideal for Pb batteries.
All our Traction battery chargers, battery support units and showroom support units are designed to work with Pb lead acid batteries.
LiFePO4
Lithium Iron phosphate (not to be confused with Lithium-ion) batteries are the very latest in battery technology. These batteries are fast replacing conventional batteries in new motor vehicles as they last longer and can have a higher energy density with little memory effect. These batteries are made with a potassium core element and use a graphite carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode.
LiFePO4 batteries have over lead acid batteries as they weigh less, require zero maintenance, have better charge and discharge characteristics and they have a much longer life.
Their higher performance and longevity come at a cost as LiFePO4 batteries are expensive.
It is critical to use the proper battery charger for LiFePO4 batteries as conventional chargers can damage these batteries.
Traction Direct offer two battery chargers specifically designed for LiFePO4 batteries. Our MPL50Li and the SPIC50 chargers not only charge LiFePO4 batteries but also charge all lead acid, AGM and GEL batteries.
Our Traction battery support units and showroom support units are designed to work with LiFePO4 batteries and will not damage LiFePO4 batteries.
The information in this article describes the main battery types found in automotive, farm, marine and industrial vehicles. There are other types of batteries found in electric vehicles such as the Lithium-ion, and Nickel Metal Hydride often used in hybrids. You can find out more information about the difference between Lithium Iron and Ion by clicking here.