Car Battery Types In India: Most Common Types and Sizes
With proper inspection, you manage to protect your car battery from premature corrosion and damage. If you are experiencing any issues with your battery, consider a quick replacement. Before you switch to a brand new battery, did you know that there’s a wide range of car battery types in India? Yes, one size doesn’t fit all. Irrespective of the size difference, car batteries are essential to run your vehicle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the most common car battery types in India.
Car Battery Types Explained
Buying car batteries can get tricky since drivers are inundated with infinite brands, types, and features. Thus, we aim to make the process simple by listing the features every car battery type seems to provide to the vehicle. You can find a variety of car battery types and sizes in India which can be confusing at times. Hence, we aim to resolve it for you. Based on your requirements, you can go ahead and pick the suitable one for your use.
1. Lead Acid Battery:
Also known as "wet batteries," lead-acid batteries are predominantly used in cars across the globe. It’s one of the most affordable and serviceable kinds. Lead-acid car batteries are designed to provide a long-lasting service life, lasting anywhere from 3 to 5 to 12+ years depending on the manufacturing process. These car batteries require the least maintenance and work in short bursts to deliver power to the starter motor.
2. Lithium-ion Battery:
Lithium-ion batteries are mostly used in electric and hybrid vehicles due to their high energy density. These batteries also carry a high power-to-weight ratio, low self-discharge, optimal high-temperature performance, and high energy efficiency. While lithium-ion batteries are expensive and get overheated rather quickly, they also last longer, up to 5 to 10 years.
3. SLI Battery (Start, Lighting, and Ignition):
As the name suggests, the SLI battery works to start the internal combustion engine and discharges briefly at a higher current. These batteries provide an immediate power boost while retaining enough power to operate all the electronic components of the car, including interior and exterior lights, infotainment system, and more. The only drawback of SLI batteries is their short charge cycle, taking a significant amount of time to charge while also discharging quickly. However, they run for several years without any inconvenience.
4. Deep Cycle Battery:
Constructed using thicker battery plates and denser active material, deep cycle batteries withstand repeated charge and discharge cycles. These batteries don’t provide high bursts of power for a short period but are designed to deliver sustained power with lower current for a long period. Deep cycle batteries are a bit steep for their high discharge rate, but they have a long shelf life, up to six to seven years with proper care.
5. VRLA Battery (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Battery):
A VRLA battery is sealed with no ventilation of gases, making it compact and easy to store. Since these batteries are sealed, they don’t emit hydrogen gas, making them the safest option. There are two VRLA car battery types: AGM battery and the gel cell battery.
- AGM Battery: Absorbed Glass Mat Battery (AGM) is designed with electrolyte held in glass mats and supports the high energy demands of modern cars. AGM batteries charge 5X faster and withstand 3X more cycle life than an ordinary car battery. They are suitable for cars with automatic start-stop applications and brake energy recovery, but their only drawback is their high cost.
- Gel Cell Battery: The gel cell battery contains a "gelified" electrolyte and is known for its strong resistance to hot temperature, physical shock, electrolyte evaporation, and spillage. Gel cell batteries are vibration and shock-resistant with extended cycle life.
6. Nickel Metal Hydride Battery:
Lesser-known but most commonly used in hybrid vehicles, nickel-metal batteries have a longer life cycle than lead-acid or lithium-ion car batteries. However, they have a high self-discharge rate, produce high heat at hot temperatures, and are relatively expensive. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are suitable for hybrid cars but not as effective for rechargeable electric vehicles.
7. Silver Calcium Battery:
Silver-calcium batteries are designed as a modification over wet battery technology. They are lead-acid batteries with an electrolyte solution but utilize lead-calcium-silver plates instead of lead-antimony plates. These batteries are known for being powerful, resistant to corrosion, and well-suited for hotter climates, giving them a long lifespan. They are also sealed and require the least maintenance. The only downside of silver calcium batteries is the need for high charging voltage and quick deterioration from sulfation.
Types of Car Battery Sizes
Battery group sizes indicate the physical size of a car battery, including the ideal height, width, and length required. It also mentions the polarity, i.e., where the positive and negative battery posts are present on the battery. Not every car uses one particular car battery; each one has its own battery size. The different types of car battery sizes aim to provide a simplified solution to help manufacturers reduce costs and ensure the proper size and type for each vehicle.
1. Side Post Batteries:
Few car manufacturers use specific group sizes more than others. For instance, General Motors vehicles use a side-post battery. A side post battery contains cable ends that screw into the side of the battery rather than the top. Common group sizes for side post batteries are mostly 70, 74, 75, and 78.
2. Recessed Top Post Batteries:
European car manufacturers like Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and more use an international standard battery. The battery top posts are recessed in the corner so that the battery’s top is the same as the main height of the battery. Most of these battery group sizes have a built-in specialized ventilation system and are installed in the trunk or under the back seat. Common group sizes for recessed top post batteries are 41, 42, 47, 48, and 49.
3. Standard Top Post Batteries:
Japanese and most American-made cars use standard top-post battery fitments, making it the most popular battery group size used in India. Common group sizes for standard top-post batteries are 24, 24F, 25, 34, 35, 51, 51R, 52, 58, 58R, 59, and 65.
Summing Up
Consider getting a replacement battery in a larger size than the previous one. In particular, a taller car battery that remains at its original place and sits in the harness securely. A larger battery delivers more power than the previous model. If it happens to be a standard top post model, ensure the terminals aren’t in contact with the internal part of the hood to avoid the risk of a short circuit and fire.
So, What Type of Car Battery Do I Choose?
When shopping for car batteries online, look for the BCI code to ensure the ideal model and size fit for your vehicle. Usually, people replace the old battery with a similar one or might opt for a bigger size for more power or extra cranking or cold-cranking amps. It all comes down to what you are looking for in your car battery. You can also upgrade to a better car battery type.
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