12V battery types: How to choose the best one?
With the wide range of battery types on the market, it is important to find the right one for you. With the wide range of voltages available, there is one battery type that raises the bar - the 12V battery.
The 12V battery takes center stage and claims the spotlight as the lowest maintenance, longest lasting and lightest option for many applications. Unlike the other battery types, they are rechargeable and are suitable for golf carts, cars, RVs, boats and much more.
In this article you will learn the most important tips for choosing the ideal 12V battery for your specific needs.
Find out about the most common battery types, including lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries, as well as factors to consider when purchasing these batteries - from features to price. Let's get started!
Table of contents
- 1. What are the different types of 12V batteries?
- 1.1 Flooded lead-acid battery
- 1.2 Absorbent glass mat (AGM)
- 1.3 GEL
- 1.4 lithium-ion
- 1.5 12V battery types in comparison
- 2. Factors to consider when choosing a 12V battery
- 2.1 ampere hour value
- 2.2 Cold cranking amps (CCA) for starter batteries
- 2.3 Reserve Capacity
- 2.4 Maintenance requirements
- 2.5 Costs
- 3. Conclusion: Which is the best 12V battery type?
1. What are the different types of 12V batteries?
1.1 Flooded lead-acid battery
The most common 12V battery type is the lead-acid battery. It has lead plates, which provide a more stable structure and increase conductivity, as well as electrolytes consisting of water and sulfuric acid.
The separators are made of thin plates of porous material, while the container is made of durable plastic. The vent holes ensure the correct gas flow.
Since flood batteries are the most popular, they are predicted to account for a large share of the value of the lead-acid industry.
Advantages:
- Can be used in vehicles, seagoing vessels and large-scale industry
- Cost-efficient
- Can deliver high surge currents
Disadvantages:
- Very maintenance-intensive
- May emit dangerous, harmful gases
1.2 Absorbent glass mat (AGM)
AGM batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat) are the most expensive of the group and also belong to the category of lead-acid batteries. The lead plates are located between mats made of glass fibers.
This design makes them highly resistant to vibration and leakage. And since they emit very little gas, they can also be used in less well-ventilated areas.
For example, hospitals and clinics prefer these batteries because they can efficiently power important medical equipment in rooms with limited air circulation. Other industries such as telecommunications and shipping also use AGM batteries.
Advantages:
- Very low maintenance requirements
- Does not emit harmful gases
- Durable
Disadvantages:
- More expensive
- Heavy
1.3 GEL
In this lead-acid battery, the lead plates are suspended in a gel-like substance and not in a water-sulfuric acid mixture as in flood batteries.
However, it is similar to flooded batteries as its lifespan is also between two and five years.
Due to these characteristics, the demand for gel batteries is expected to increase even further. Market research data shows that their market will grow significantly by 2031 thanks to the interest of investors and entrepreneurs.
Advantages:
- Low maintenance, maintenance-free
- Can be used in the shipping industry, as storage for renewable energies and in the healthcare sector
- Can be charged and function even at high temperatures
Disadvantages:
- Requires special care when charging
- May incur additional charges for charging
1.4 lithium-ion
The lithium ion type, on the other hand, belongs to the category of rechargeable deep cycle batteries.
Unlike other battery types that use lead and GEL, lithium batteries, as their name suggests, are based on lithium salt to achieve optimal energy density and improved efficiency in power storage.
Their smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, electric cars and drones are powered by lithium batteries. They are also used in areas such as defense and healthcare.
For 12V batteries, the LiFePO4 battery is the most popular choice due to its safety features.
Advantages:
- Light weight
- The lifespan is up to a decade
- maintenance-free
- With BMS to ensure safety
Disadvantages:
- Requires higher initial investment
1.5 12V battery types in comparison
You have read about the 12V battery types and their advantages and disadvantages. But how do they compare to each other?
Check out the table below to compare battery types side by side. Take the time to study this table so you can better decide which battery is best for your needs.
2. Factors to consider when choosing a 12V battery
Now you're one step closer to trying out your preferred battery and enjoying its benefits. But before you jump in, be sure to consider the following factors:
battery type
First, ask yourself: Where will you need the batteries? If you need a powerful battery to start your car engine, you should look for one with thinner plates and a large surface area. These characteristics allow the battery to deliver powerful bursts of energy.
However, if your application requires longer discharge and charge cycles, such as in renewable energy storage solutions or in mobile homes, deep cycle batteries with thicker plates are more suitable.
In addition, there are also cases where both battery types need to work together, especially in applications that require both starting and deep discharges.
2.1 ampere hour value
Amperage indicates how much power your battery can deliver in one hour. Amperage-rated batteries indicate the maximum energy they can provide for a specific application, such as starting a car engine.
To illustrate: A 200Ah battery (ampere hours) can deliver 10 amps for 20 hours. Or 20 amps for 10.
Applications that require higher battery consumption will require a higher amp hour rating, so when considering amp hour rating you must also consider the power requirements of your application.
2.2 Cold cranking amps (CCA) for starter batteries
CCA is a measure of your battery's ability to operate in colder temperatures. Consider this if you need batteries for sub-freezing or sub-zero applications.
For example, cars in colder regions such as Canada or Northern Europe require batteries with a higher CCA rating. An output of 800 amps is ideal for these vehicles. Another example is boats that are used in areas with harsh winters or icy waters, such as Scandinavia and Alaska. They also require batteries with high CCA ratings.
2.3 Reserve Capacity
This factor is very important because it comes into play when the battery needs to keep working in the event of an alternator failure or other problems. Batteries with a higher reserve capacity can continue to supply power just before they are completely discharged. This is especially helpful if you need batteries for backup power during natural disasters such as typhoons.
2.4 Maintenance requirements
To know your maintenance requirements, let's revisit the four popular types of 12V batteries we discussed. If you are willing to check the water level regularly and top off the battery with distilled water, a flooded lead acid battery may be good for you.
However, if you don't have time, opt for batteries that require minimal maintenance, such as GEL, AGM and lithium batteries. All three are designed to last longer than a flooded battery.
2.5 Costs
This brings us to the last important factor that cannot be ignored: cost.
The most expensive option is the lithium battery type, the cheapest is the flooded lead acid.
However, make sure you strike a balance between price and quality. Flooded batteries are cheaper, but they are not as powerful as lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries may be more expensive, but they offer everything in one package: high performance, long life and low maintenance.
3. Conclusion: Which is the best 12V battery type?
So, what is the best 12V battery type? Honestly, it all depends on your personal preference and of course where you plan to use the battery. You can opt for flooded lead-acid batteries if you are on a budget.
However, others find them limiting in their functions and opt for a GEL, AGM or lithium battery. Even if their prices are higher, you should consider what they can do to enjoy top performance.
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