Inside AGM and Enhanced Flooded Batteries

06, May. 2024

 

Inside AGM and Enhanced Flooded Batteries

Cars have changed over the years. There was a time when a car battery started your car and powered the radio. Many of today's vehicles need a battery to meet increased power demands. Car accessory demand has tripled since 2009, with new bells and whistles added yearly.

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Standard flooded batteries are the most common car battery on the market. They have advantages, but they come with some limitations. They provide power to start your car and support electrical accessories. Enhanced flooded batteries and absorbed glass-mat batteries are newer technologies that offer more power for modern vehicles.

AGM and EFB batteries are rechargeable and required for newer cars with greater power demands.

Finding the right replacement car battery can be overwhelming. Many options are available, but it's essential that you get the right one.


Standard flooded batteries

A standard or traditional flooded battery is a lead-acid battery used to crank a car's engine and support standard accessories while the engine is running. If your car requires more than the usual power load, this battery might not suit your vehicle.

Examples of cars that use a standard battery include the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Corolla and Lexus RX.

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Did you know that spring and fall are the best times to test your car battery?

It's best to check your battery before extreme weather hits with a free battery test at any Interstate All Battery Center® or select repair locations.

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Enhanced flooded batteries EFB

 

 

An EFB is a wet-filled battery like a standard flooded battery, but it's more durable, stores more energy and has a longer life.

The many benefits of EFBs include the following:

  • Durability
  • Energy storage
  • Battery life
  • Weatherproof
  • Start-stop friendly
  • More affordable than AGM

Some examples of cars that use EFB batteries are the start-stop versions of the Fiat 500, Toyota Yaris and the Ford ECOnetic range.

Are you looking for an EFB or AGM battery for your car or truck? Are you still unsure? Check out our premium car and truck battery page now to ensure you get the right power for your vehicle.

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Absorbed glass-mat batteries AGM

 

 

AGM batteries are becoming the standard for modern cars because they demand more power for entertainment and GPS systems, cameras, plug-in devices and more. This battery is a must for cars that already come with an AGM.

AGM batteries use glass mats to absorb 100 percent of the electrolyte, making it spill proof.

AGM batteries are made to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. They’re the smart choice for many new cars with start-stop technology or power-hungry accessories.

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Not all AGMs are the same

Pure lead AGMs are 99 percent pure lead and offer advanced power and superior battery life. Alloy AGMs are made from mixed metals and are less refined than pure lead AGMs.

Pure Lead AGM Batteries

  • 99.9% pure lead
  • Up to 2x battery cycle life vs. flooded batteries
  • Fastest recharge times
  • Slowest self-discharge/shelf life
  • Sealed - zero water loss

Alloy AGM Batteries

  • Recycled lead + alloy metal
  • Similar to pure lead AGM, but not as powerful
  • Less expensive than pure lead AGM

Some examples of cars that use an AGM battery include the Buick Encore, Jeep Compass and the Ford F-150.

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Are you looking for a particular battery, battery accessory or something more?

Find all your battery and power accessory must-haves at an Interstate All Battery Center®.

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Find the right battery for you

When it's time to replace your car battery, finding the correct one is critical. Deciding which is best for you can be overwhelming. The good news is that we are always here to help you find the right battery for your vehicle.

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Enhanced Flooded Batteries 101

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB): What are they? How are they different?  What are their diagnostic needs? 

Start-Stop vehicle needs a different battery because: 

  • Significantly more starts 
  • Battery needs to supply power the vehicle when engine (and alternator) are off 
  • Charge acceptance is important; battery needs to accept charge easily to be able to perform a next Start-Stop cycle 
  • Regenerative Braking capability, battery or super capacitor should store the energy 

EFBs and AGM batteries were designed to better accommodate these Start-Stop applications. AGM batteries are often the “go-to”, however their significant cost has led to the more cost-conscious option of Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB).  

What are the benefits of EFBs?

  The primary benefits of EFB are:

  • Improved charge acceptance vs. standard 12V flooded 
  • Greater cyclic durability vs. standard 12V flooded when operating in a reduced state of charge  
  • Lower cost than AGM technology 

The performance benefits compared to standard flooded batteries are critical in start-stop applications.  Studies approximate EFB batteries will provide 85,000 engine starts, compared to 30,000 starts from standard flooded product. 

How does EFBs provide Start-Stop performance benefits?  

It really comes down to two key physical differences when comparing to standard 12V flooded batteries 

  • Narrow grids: holding capacity of active material is raised to prevent active material from becoming softened and dropping, thus increasing charge acceptance.  
  • Increased number of plates in the battery: increases the reaction area to improve charging performance 

It is important to understand, however, that due to how EFBs are constructed and used, they are more susceptible to different types of failure when not managed properly.  The reduced acid volume between plates combined with the increased quantity of charge / discharge cycles increases the risk of stratification.   

But with EFBs, it does not end there.  As batteries discharge the acid concentration decreases resulting in increased lead ions. And when charged, dendrites are created and the lead plates expand.  In EFB batteries the plates are constructed so close, that this can allow the dendrites to connect the plates and create shorts.​

How do you diagnose EFBs?

As such, Enhanced Flooded Batteries must be diagnosed differently than standard 12V flooded batteries.  Standard flooded batteries have a direct correlation between OCV and Specific gravity. EFB batteries are more susceptible to stratification which skews the correlation between OCV and Specific Gravity.​  If not charged properly, the OCV may increase even though the Specific Gravity does not increase in a proportional amount.​ This is a result of polarization or stratification and can lead to early  life failures. 

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB), can help enable many start-stop applications, but due to their performance differences, they come with additional service requirements.  As such, it is important you have the proper equipment to accurately diagnose this battery technology.   

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