It wasn’t long ago that we raised the hood on a vehicle and there was only a standard “wet” sealed lead acid battery. Today, many batteries are located in the trunk or under the seats to save space in the engine compartment.
In addition, a more reliable battery was necessary for the increased duty cycle of the vehicle electrical system due to integration of more accessories into vehicles; now there are over 2,200 makes and models of vehicles that come standard with a new battery type.
The first new technology was the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery, becoming popular in 1999 for specialty vehicles like Corvettes and the Prius. Twenty years later it is the dominant battery type in vehicles.
Now we are seeing EFB (Enhance Flooded Battery) often referred to as the “Stop-Start” battery which maintains the vehicle electrical system when the vehicle alternator stops generating current. Lithium-ion batteries, appearing in 2014 and typically found in higher-end European and Asian vehicles, will likely gain popularity in other vehicles as cost decreases.
Each type of battery requires specific algorithms and voltages to safely charge in order to not damage or destroy during charging. Typically, a standard conventional charger will put out 16.5V or higher. Sealed acid batteries are often charged in the 15-15.6V range. Not long ago, we were charging AGM batteries at around 14.8V; however today various vehicle manufacturers and battery manufacturers recommend charging at 14.4V MAX.
EFB batteries or “Start-Stop” batteries require less amperage than a conventional charger’s output. Lithium-ion batteries are very sensitive to charge voltage and typically are charged between 12.6-14.6V depending on the chemistry. Current technology makes what used to be simply charging a battery into a more refined and controlled process.
So, what is the solution? Know what TYPE of battery you have before hooking up the charger. Use a charger that can charge by selected battery type and allows adjustable charging voltages for each type of battery. And when in doubt, or if you are unsure of the battery type, always charge at a lower voltage setting. Extend the life of your new technology batteries by knowing how to identify and charge them. Stay tuned for more changes in the evolving battery world.
Information provided by: Associated Equipment
