AGM BATTERIES

By www.AdvancedBatterySupplies.co.uk
AGM Batteries (Absorbent Glass Mat) are batteries that are commonly used in the current cars with
*Start/Stop technology.
*When we say Start/Stop we do not mean that your car has a START/STOP button, we mean that your car
automatically cuts out the engine when you stop at traffic lights and then starts the engine when you press the
accelerator.

AGM Batteries became popular for use in military aircraft during the 1980s. The battery acid is absorbed
into a very fine fibreglass mat, which makes the battery spill proof under normal circumstances.
An AGM Battery has a low internal resistance which makes it capable of delivering higher currents, leading
to a longer battery life, even when DEEP CYCLED. Deep Cycle meaning that the AGM Battery can be deeply
discharged using almost all (up to 80%) of its ampere capacity. Whereas standard vehicle batteries should
not really be discharged beyond 50% DoD (Depth of Discharge) to reach the same cycle life.
Being a sealed unit, the AGM Battery is therefore maintenance free. They are more reliable than the
traditional lead acid flooded batteries. Standard car batteries (lead acid) need a topping up charge usually
every 6 months to stop the build-up of sulfation, whereas an AGM Battery is less prone to this problem and
can be stored for a long period of time without needing a charge. An AGM Battery also bears up to low
temperatures and has a self-discharge rate.
Another advantage of an AGM Battery over a standard CAR BATTERY or LEISURE BATTERY is that they
can charge up to 5 times faster.

Typically, AGM Batteries are between 30Ah to 100Ah and are commonly used in high end vehicles that carry
a lot of power hungry vehicle accessories such as power assisted steering wheels, heated windows and
mirrors, heated seats, etc.

AGM Batteries are also found more on motorcycles because of the spill-resistance and maintenance free
properties mentioned above. They can be installed at abnormal angles without a fear of leaking acid.
The better performance in cold weather means the AGM Batteries are also good for other applications such
as Motor Homes, Marine, Outdoor (traffic signal etc)
AGM Batteries like other sealed batteries are sensitive to overcharging. The float charge should be between
2.25 and 2.3 volts per cell as opposed to 2.4 volts per cell (14.4 volt total) for standard flooded lead acid
system.
Additionally, they do not like excessive heat and are normally installed away from the engine bay. Charging of
the battery is usually stopped if the battery core reaches 49o C (120o F)

Positives

Better cycle life than with flooded systems

Charges Up to 5 times faster than flooded technology
Spill-proof because of acid encapsulation in matting technology
High specific power, low internal resistance, responsive to load
Water retention (oxygen and hydrogen combine to produce water)
Vibration resilient due to the construction
Performs well in cold temperature
Less susceptible to sulfation when not regularly topping charged

Negatives

Low specific energy

Must be stored in charged condition (less critical than flooded)
Higher fabrication cost than flooded (but not as expensive as gel filled battery)
Sensitive to overcharging (gel has tighter tolerances than AGM)
Capacity has gradual decline (gel has a performance dome)
Not environmentally friendly (has less electrolyte and lead than flooded)

For more information or assistance contact Advanced Battery Supplies Ltd on 0800 195 9897 (free from UK
landlines and some mobile operators)
Or visit our secure website www.advancedbatterysupplies.co.uk or email us
You can purchase AGM Batteries here: https://advancedbatterysupplies.co.uk/agm-batteries/