Auto lead acid batteries work well, because they are among the simplest electrical devices we know. They comprise lead plates arranged in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric-acid, hence their name. Maintenance is an equally simple process. A few vented ones need water added from time to time. Beyond that, lead batteries merely need regular recharging to do their job. This recharging occurs automatically when the auto engine is operating.
How Auto Lead Acid Batteries Fit Together
Auto lead acid batteries – and those in marine and RV use – contain several individual cells joined in series. Each cell makes approximately 2.1 volts. Thus, when we join 3, their collective charge is nominally 6.3 volts. While 6 will deliver 12.6.
Individual cells in auto lead batteries comprise two lead plates. The positive one has a layer of lead dioxide. While the negative plate is pure ‘spongey’ lead. These plate pairs rest in slots in plastic battery cases, containing the sulfuric-acid solution, with separators between them.
How Auto Lead Acid Batteries Supply Electricity
Auto lead batteries – and those in marine and RV vehicles – do not make electricity as such. Because they merely store the energy that they receive, from another source. This energy could come from the vehicle alternator, the national grid, or wind, solar, or hydro power.
Hence their ‘official name’ is lead-acid storage batteries. This is true of all batteries actually. In their purest sense, batteries are portable electricity stores. Now, imagine for a moment if we did not have auto lead acid batteries, or lithium batteries for our laptops, smartphones and wearables.
What would our world be like without these amazing devices? When we ask, we realize we would have no electronic technology at all. That’s quite a thought to pause on, next time we turn the starter motor on the car.
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