Note: Depth of Discharge indicates how much battery capacity can be discharged safely without damaging it. This makes the AGM battery well-suited to deep cycle applications.Įven so, it’s not recommended to discharge either battery type below 50% of its capacity - unlike the lithium battery, which can be fully discharged. Depth Of DischargeĪGM batteries have an 80% depth of discharge (DoD), which is better than the 50% DoD offered by a flooded cell battery. Not as fast as a lithium battery, but up to 5x more than a flooded lead acid battery, when using the same power source. Low internal resistance also grants the AGM battery faster charging times. They handle large power demands so well that they’re the go-to lead acid variety for start-stop vehicles. It also means a reduced loss of heat as power circulates in the system.ĪGM batteries also respond to loading better than flooded lead acid or gel batteries. Low internal resistance translates to increased battery voltage output. While a new flooded lead acid battery can have an internal resistance of 10-15%, a new AGM battery can be as low as 2%. The AGM battery’s internal resistance is among the lowest of the various lead acid batteries. Spilled electrolyte can cause corrosion if not cleaned up. However, the flooded cell battery has a liquid electrolyte, so it must always be upright to prevent spills. You can mount it in many configurations (just don’t turn it upside down). The glass mat technology in the AGM battery makes it spill-proof and position insensitive. This structure results in a battery that’s shock and vibration resistant - making them favorites in race cars and motorcycles.įorceful movements and heavy vibrations can damage flooded battery plates, and they need to be mounted securely to minimize these effects. The sandwiched configuration of glass mat and battery plates in the AGM battery translates to components that don’t fall apart easily. ![]() The AGM battery tends to be built harder than the flooded lead acid battery, as it originally served military and aviation use. Durability, Vibration And Shock Resistance On the other hand, the flooded battery requires regular electrolyte servicing and needs to be in a well-ventilated area as it releases gases and steam. It’s suited for use in vehicles with batteries in trunks and under seats or in locations where maintenance can be hard to do. The AGM battery is maintenance-free and can be placed in more enclosed areas as there’s no off-gassing except for the occasional venting. Gases produced during the chemical reaction recombined with the electrolyte.Īnd if there is excess gas (such as when the battery is overcharged), a vent releases it to maintain internal pressure. The glass mat wicks the electrolyte solution, keeping it suspended in place, so it’s not free-flowing.īecause the AGM is a sealed battery, there’s minimal to no off-gassing. It’s where the battery gets its name – Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM). The AGM battery uses fiberglass mats sandwiched between lead plates. Because of this, the electrolyte levels need regular replenishment. The gases produced during its chemical reaction are vented into the atmosphere, causing some water loss. The flooded lead acid battery (FLA battery) uses lead plates submerged in liquid electrolyte. However, this is when they start to diverge. They both use lead plates and an electrolyte mix of sulfuric acid and water and have a chemical reaction that produces hydrogen and oxygen as a byproduct. The AGM battery and the standard lead acid battery are technically the same when it comes to their base chemistry. Now, let’s see how each battery type contrasts, beginning with its inner workings. As a result, they do share a few similarities. AGM vs Lead Acid Batteries: 12 Key Differencesīefore we begin the comparison, it’s important to note that the AGM battery has its roots in the traditional lead acid battery.
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