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Battery types


Battery types

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Lead acid batteries for automotive use are made with differing construction techniques, depending on the application of the battery. The typical battery in use today is of the "flooded cell" type, indicating liquid electrolyte.

SLI Batteries

The starting or shallow cycle type (SLI) is designed to deliver large bursts of energy, usually to start an engine. SLI batteries usually  have a larger surface area that provides high electric current for short period of time.

Once the engine is started, they are recharged by the engine-driven charging system. Batteries for starting, lighting and ignition systems deliver a heavy current for a short time, and have a relatively low degree of discharge on each use.

Battery technology is continually being developed. For instance, the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS uses a lithium-ion starter battery to save weight over a conventional lead-acid version.

Deep Cycle Batteries

In contrast to the quick surge of power that is required for starting, deep cycle batteries deliver smaller amounts of current (amps) over long periods of hours or days, rather than seconds. Deep cycle batteries are specifically designed to withstand the rigours of long, deep discharges and long, slow recharges.

The deep cycle (or motive) type is designed to continuously provide power for long periods of time (for example in a motor for a small boat, auxiliary power for a recreational vehicle, or traction power for a golf cart, wheelchair or other battery electric vehicle).

They can also be used to store energy from a photovoltaic array or a small wind turbine. They usually have fewer, thicker plates in order to have a greater capacity and survive a higher number of charge/discharge cycles, but will not provide as high a current on heavy loads

Car batteries come in a variety of sizes and quality standards. It is important to consider if the battery has the proper rating for your car. The battery rating is stamped on the battery casing or in the owner's manual. Also make sure that the battery is the right size to be secured in your car. An unsecured battery can damage the internal plates, which will reduce the life of the battery. For more information see NRMA's comprehensive price and fitting guide.

NRMA has designed a range of quality batteries for your car, extra heavy duty batteries for your 4WD, marine specific starting and deep cycle batteries for your boat and even jetski batteries.

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