What is battery chemistry?

Starting and Deep Cycle batteries are commonly described by the battery technology or ‘chemistry’, the most common being lead acid batteries which comes in two basic types:

• Flooded (or wet-cell) lead acid. Liquid acid requires maintenance and must be mounted in an upright position
• Sealed lead acid (SLA).  Described also as Sealed Maintenance Free (SMF) or Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA)

VRLA variants include Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel. Both AGM and Gel have no free acid so are spill-proof and don’t need topping up with water. AGM batteries are ideal for caravans, 4WDs, boats and motorcycles where vibration resistance and high safety levels are key selection factors.   They can be mounted in various orientations if there is a need to tilt them or lay them on their sides and they can be installed in areas with limited ventilation.

Latest technology starting batteries include Lithium (eg LiFePO4) which uses lithium chemistry instead of lead acid chemistry. These batteries are much lighter than lead acid batteries and are high performance, spill-proof and maintenance free with extremely low self discharge. LiFePo4 is ideal for infrequently used motorbikes and jet skis or for racing and marine applications where light-weight, impact resistance and fast charging is critical.

Deep cycle Lithium (LiFeP04) batteries have properties of a much long cycling life and a greater depth of discharge (DoD) ability than lead acid batteries. The low weight of lithium batteries can be a very great advantage for marine, caravans, camping and 4WD dual battery use. Lithium batteries tolerate storage when partially charged and being ‘dry’, spill-proof and maintenance-free, they are convenient and compelling choice for recreational use.