One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a 12V battery is deciding which battery type will meet your specific needs. Depending on what you’re powering, there are several types of 12V batteries to choose from, each utilizing different battery technology. We’re talking about flooded lead-acid batteries, gel batteries, AGM batteries, and lithium batteries (LiFePO4 – not lithium ion batteries).
Each type has its pros and cons, like cost, maintenance requirements, lifespan, and performance in different environments. By understanding these batteries you can decide which is best for your needs. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a 12v Battery Used for?
You can use 12V batteries to power the following things: RVs and campers, bass boats, UTVs, zero-turn lawnmowers, golf carts, trolling motors, and more. Many business owners use them to power commercial equipment, such as lift gates, floor sweepers, small forklifts, floor scrubbers, and more. With a dependable 12V battery you can power many things beyond your trolling motor and RV!
Like other rechargeable batteries, a 12V battery stores energy for later use. That means you can partially drain your battery and recharge it repeatedly. With a lithium 12V battery, you can repeat this process about 3,000 – 5,000 times. With a traditional lead-acid battery, 500 – 1,000 cycles are more common.
There’s a variety of 12V batteries available on the market, and it can be hard to make a good decision without some context. Lithium batteries provide more power compared to traditional lead-acid batteries (including AGM batteries) and last much longer than just a few years, making them ideal for applications like trolling motors, RVs, and many other applications. But there are pros and cons to each battery type. We’ve described the main types of 12V batteries to consider below – so let’s take a look!
Types of 12 Volt Batteries
There are usually two categories of deep-cycle batteries: lead acid and LiFeP04 lithium, each forming a different battery system. Do keep in mind that there are multiple versions of lead-acid batteries. To explain things a bit better, we’ll talk about a few different types:
12V Flooded Lead-Acid Battery
Flooded lead-acid batteries are the most common type of lead-acid battery. One thing they have going for them is their low-cost investment. However, managing gas pressure is crucial to ensure safety and performance. The truth is, you can’t find a more economical option up front. But we’re talking about the initial cost, not over time. Flood lead-acid batteries do require a lot of maintenance.
You can’t get around that. Since you’re dealing with liquid electrolytes, you have to monitor them regularly. (For spills and malfunctions.) You also have to do periodic distilled water-top-offs. Depending upon your usage, this may be every 5-10 charging cycles or every few weeks to months.
These batteries have the shortest lifespan among all the battery types listed here, usually around 2-5 years. Also, the reserve capacity determines how long a battery can sustain its power before needing to be recharged, affecting overall run time and efficiency. Compared to lithium 12V batteries, lead-acid 12V batteries generally have a significantly lower reserve capacity.
12V Gel Battery
Unlike flooded lead-acid batteries that use liquid electrolyte solutions, these lead-acid batteries use gel. Did the name give it away? This special solution creates the chemical reaction necessary to store a charge. A regulator valve is essential to manage the internal pressure during charging and discharging. These are sealed batteries, so they don’t have to be installed upright. The big win for this battery type is the inability of its contents to spill.
The major drawback, however, is how finicky they are when charging and discharging. You need to keep a close eye to avoid damaging them. Discharge them too much and you might damage them. Charge them too much and you might do the same thing. The gel is fragile and can burn easily in high-amperage situations.
12V AGM Battery
AGM, or “Absorbent Glass Mat” batteries are another type of sealed lead-acid battery. They are commonly used for applications requiring shore power, providing reliable energy without as much of a need for frequent maintenance. In this design, lead plates are placed between fiberglass mats to make them more resistant to spills and vibrations. They give off minimal gassing so you can use them in areas less ventilated than others.
These batteries are somewhat sensitive to overcharging and high voltages, though. Generally, you’ll want a full charge between uses, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
AGM batteries are the most expensive lead-acid batteries. But despite their higher cost, they tend to be a decent option thanks to their resistance to spills, vibrations, and shock.
The Power of the 12V Lithium Battery
Finally, we have lithium batteries, specifically LiFeP04 lithium batteries. These are very different from all the other batteries we’ve covered. They’re made from lithium iron phosphate and are the newest deep-cycle battery type on the market.
The 12V lithium battery is the most low-maintenance and longest-lasting battery available. More energy can be stored per unit of weight or volume, making lithium ideal for applications with limited space. This makes them an excellent choice for reliable energy storage in various settings. They also weigh about half as much as lead-acid batteries.
Lithium batteries also provide more power and significantly less voltage drop during rapid acceleration, which is crucial for motors that need a fair amount of thrust to operate effectively. They are spill-proof, and you can store them in any direction you’d like. Big win! Because they’re non-toxic, they’re the safest option for the environment.
If you’re looking for a battery with a longer lifespan (one that will last on average 10+ years) and isn’t susceptible to charging and discharging issues, you’ve found it. We could go on and on. There are many perks to lithium (especially Ionic), including Bluetooth monitoring, a built-in battery management system, and easy, drop-in replacement.
The only negative thing we can mention is the price. They cost more money upfront than the other battery types. But when considering all of the maintenance that comes with other batteries and how long a lithium battery will last (replacement costs), the price to replace your old batteries is a sound investment. You’re very likely to spend less in the long run.
The Right 12V Battery: How to Find the Best 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery
When on the search for the best 12V battery, ask yourself the following questions before selecting your new battery:
- Will my batteries be in extreme conditions or extreme temperatures?
- Is the environment prone to shaking, vibrations, or sudden movement?
- Should I invest in a battery that will last, or do I need the most affordable option upfront?
- Do I mind battery maintenance every few weeks or do I prefer none?
- How long do I want my battery’s lifespan to last before I need to buy a new one?
- What is the most cost-effective battery long-term?
Answering these questions will help you pinpoint which battery will get the ideal results to meet your unique needs. As always, if you have questions or need guidance, reach out to us!
Did you like this post? Get more information on 12 volt batteries and their off-grid solar applications here: Off Grid Solar Batteries: What’s The Best?
