AGM Battery vs. Lead Acid

When you compare an AGM battery vs. a lead acid battery, there are a number of differences that you may notice. If you’re looking for one of the more reliable Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) lead acid battery options on the market, you should consider an ODYSSEY® battery from EnerSys. The ODYSSEY® battery delivers two times the power and three times the life compared to conventional flooded lead acid batteries. Whether you are putting it in your boat, your recreational vehicle (RV), or your car, the ODYSSEY® battery is a powerful AGM lead acid battery solution to consider.

AGM lead acid batteries evolved from traditional lead acid batteries, so there are a few similarities. They both contain lead plates and a mix of acid and water known as electrolytes. But if you’re trying to decide which type is the better option for your application, you should definitely consider the differences and what sets the two designs apart from one another. Here are just some reasons why an AGM lead acid battery may be a better choice for your application over conventional lead acid battery technologies. 

How they Work

Conventional flooded lead acid batteries contain plates of lead that are submerged in an electrolyte solution. The lead mixed with the electrolyte solution produces a chemical reaction resulting in the loss of water. That’s why in a conventional flooded lead acid battery, you need to replenish electrolyte levels regularly by adding water.

On the other hand, an AGM lead acid battery uses glass mat separators made of fiberglass inserted between the lead plates – hence the name absorbed glass mat. The mats absorb the electrolyte, essentially creating a spill-proof design. This helps create a maintenance-free battery that can be mounted in any orientation except inverted.

Maintenance

AGM lead acid batteries are maintenance-free and can sit in enclosed areas for extended periods. A conventional flooded lead acid battery will, as noted earlier, need regular maintenance due to a loss of water over time. It also needs to be kept in an area with good ventilation since it releases steam and gases.

Since an ODYSSEY AGM battery is maintenance free, it may be a better choice in vehicles where the battery needs to sit in a hard-to-reach location, such as in the trunk or under a seat.

Durability

AGM lead acid batteries typically are known to handle more rugged conditions compared to conventional flooded lead acid batteries. In fact, ODYSSEY® batteries consist of a military-inspired design, are built to handle extreme temperatures, and are highly resistant to vibrations and shocks.

Ability to Tolerate Extreme Temperatures

Since the electrolyte in AGM lead acid batteries is absorbed within glass mats, it helps them to better withstand frigid temperatures. Conventional flooded lead acid batteries don’t have this kind of cold tolerance. Their plates can crack in freezing temperatures, and their electrolyte can freeze and expand, which can result in the failure of the battery.

There are a number of differences you should consider when you compare an AGM battery vs. a lead acid design. Contact us online for more information on why the ODYSSEY® battery is one of the more reliable AGM lead acid battery options available.