Automotive Battery Types and Specifications
– Lead-acid batteries are commonly used in electric cars.
– 12-volt lead-acid batteries are charged in electric cars.
– Teslas new 12V Li-Ion auxiliary battery has CATL cells inside.
– 6-volt batteries were used in cars in the past.
– The 42-volt car battery was a concept that did not become widely adopted.
– Physical format: Batteries are grouped by physical size, type and placement of the terminals, and mounting style.
– Amp hours (Ah): Ampere hours (Ah or A·h) is a unit related to the energy storage capacity of the battery. This rating is required by law in Europe.
– Cranking amperages (CCA, CA, MCA, HCA): Cold cranking amperes (CCA) is the amount of current a battery can provide at 0°F (−18°C) for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts. Cranking amperes (CA) is the amount of current a battery can provide at 32°F (0°C), and marine cranking amperes (MCA) is often found on batteries for boats and lawn garden tractors. Hot cranking amperes (HCA) is the amount of current a battery can provide at 80°F (27°C).
– Group size: Battery Council International (BCI) group size specifies a battery’s physical dimensions, such as length, width, and height.
– Date codes: In the United States, codes on batteries indicate the production date. In South Africa, the code is the year and week number (YYWW).
Battery Use, Maintenance, and Care
– Excess heat: Excess heat can cause battery failures due to electrolyte evaporation and sulfation.
– Low temperatures: Low temperatures can also lead to battery failure.
– Jump starting: If the battery is discharged, the engine can be jump started with an external power source.
– Corrosion prevention: Corrosion at the battery terminals can be prevented by applying dielectric grease.
– Sulfation: Sulfation occurs when the electrodes become coated with a hard layer of lead sulfate, weakening the battery. Sulfated batteries should be charged slowly to prevent damage.
– Basic battery care is important for the longevity of car batteries.
– Consumer Reports provides tips on how to get the right car battery.
– Popular Mechanics offers advice on basic battery care.
– Winter weather can affect a car battery’s cold cranking amps (CCA) rating.
– Marine batteries and car batteries have differences in their construction.
– Car batteries can corrode over time.
– Gear4Wheels explains why car batteries corrode.
– WikiHow provides a guide on how to clean corroded car battery terminals.
– Sulphated batteries can be treated using the mmf charger and discharger/analyzer.
– The Automotive Storage Battery book provides information on the care and repair of batteries.
Battery Recycling and Environmental Impact
– Battery recycling: Recycling automotive batteries reduces the need for resources, diverts toxic lead from landfills, and prevents improper disposal. The 12-volt car battery is the most recycled product in the world.
– Hazardous waste: Used lead-acid batteries (ULAB) are classified as hazardous waste. Improper recycling in unregulated environments can lead to lead contamination.
– Global waste trade: ULABs are shipped from industrialized countries to developing countries for disassembly and recovery of contents. Over 12 million people in developing countries are affected by lead contamination from ULAB processing.
– Car batteries are the world’s most recycled product.
– Green Car Reports highlights the recycling of car batteries.
– WorstPolluted.org provides reports on projects related to battery recycling.
– Car batteries have an environmental impact due to their lead content.
– Proper disposal and recycling of car batteries is important for environmental protection.
Battery in Gasoline and Diesel Engines
– Gas explosions can occur at the negative electrode due to blocked battery vents or poor ventilation.
– Corroded or dirty battery posts can cause explosions during engine start-up.
– 31% of vehicle battery explosion injuries occurred while charging the battery.
– Injuries from battery explosions include chemical burns and eye injuries.
– Battery explosions can happen while working on cable connections or jump-starting.
Battery in Electric and Hybrid Cars
– Electric vehicles (EVs) use a high-voltage electric vehicle battery and an auxiliary battery for standard accessories.
– EVs use a DC-to-DC converter to charge the auxiliary battery.
– Electric vehicles do not have a starter motor and require limited power from the auxiliary battery.
– Tesla introduced a lithium-ion auxiliary battery with 99Wh of energy in 2021.
– EVs eliminate the need for an alternator to charge the auxiliary battery. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_battery
An automotive battery, or car battery, is a rechargeable battery that is used to start a motor vehicle. Its main purpose is to provide an electric current to the electric-powered starting motor, which in turn starts the chemically-powered internal combustion engine that actually propels the vehicle. Once the engine is running, power for the car's electrical systems is still supplied by the battery, with the alternator charging the battery as demands increase or decrease.
