What is the purpose of the 12-volt battery in an EV? Below we discuss this important question and delve deeper into other aspects that you should consider when the time to replace the battery comes.
Are you currently in the market to buy a brand-new 12-voltage battery? If you answered yes to that question, we’re sure that you’ll agree with us when we say that, when it comes to selecting a 12-voltage battery, the sheer amount of choice on the market can be a little daunting, to say the least.
For the most part, it can be easy to think that all 12-voltage batteries out there are going to offer similar performance as they all consist of the same voltage level.
However, not all 12-volt batteries are made equal, and there are a variety of models out there that consist of different designs, power capacities, performance longevity, and charging abilities.
To help you decide which 12-voltage battery type and model is best for you, this guide will provide you with everything that you need to know. Below, not only are we going to be talking you through the main types of 12-volt batteries available.
But we are also going to be sharing with you some of the best models currently available to buy – so that you can get your hands on the perfect replacement.
So, without further ado, ready to discover the best 12-voltage battery replacement for you and your needs? Whenever you’re ready, let’s jump right in.
Rechargeable 12-Volt Batteries: What Are The Different Types?
There are two main types of rechargeable batteries: lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lead-acid batteries. Li-ion batteries are generally better suited for high-power applications, while lead-acid batteries are usually preferred in low-power situations.
Both types come in a variety of sizes, ranging from AA to D size. You should always make sure that you purchase a battery that fits the voltage requirements of your device.
Lithium-Ion Rechargeable 12-volt Batteries
A popular choice among users who prefer rechargeable batteries due to their long life span and ability to handle higher current loads, lithium-ion batteries are often used in devices such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, cameras, and other portable electronics.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in most laptop computers and are also used in many smartphones and tablets.
Lead Acid Rechargeable Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are very common in older technology items like radios, televisions, and VCRs. As these batteries are inexpensive, durable, and easy to work with, they are still widely used in products like flashlights, toys, and small appliances.
Non-Rechargeable 12-Volt Batteries
While rechargeable batteries are great for powering up devices when you don’t have access to an outlet, they can be quite costly. This is why so many people opt for non-rechargeable batteries instead.
Non-rechargeable batteries are typically cheaper than rechargeables, but they aren’t able to provide nearly as much power as their rechargeable counterparts. In addition, they are less reliable, lasting only about one year before needing replacement.
For this reason, it’s best to stick with a rechargeable battery if possible – which brings us to our next point.
12V Battery Types: Which One Is Right For You?
Before you begin shopping around for the perfect 12-voltage battery for you, you’re first going to need to think about what type of 12V battery is going to be the best option for you.
Currently, on the market there are two common types of 12-volt rechargeable batteries currently being offered: and these are lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries.
If you’re already familiar with 12-voltage batteries, then we’re sure that you’ll already be well aware of lead-acid batteries, as they have been used for the longest.
However, in recent years, Lithium-ion batteries have become more and more popular – which means that you’re going to have to pick between the two most popular types.
Choosing which 12-voltage battery to go for can be easier said than done, which is why we’re going to be breaking the most common types available to you to choose from below:
Lead-Acid 12-Voltage Battery Types:
1. Sealed Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Battery
This is probably the most commonly found 12-volt battery on the market today. They come in many different sizes, ranging from AA to D size batteries. The advantage of this particular battery type is that it’s very easy to use, making them ideal for beginners who want to get started straight away.
Also, because they are so simple to use, they are also great if you’re looking for something that will last long term. They do however have some disadvantages too, such as needing to be charged regularly, and not having any sort of built-in protection circuitry.
2. Gel Cell Or AGM (alkaline gel) Sealed Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Battery
This is another type of 12-volt battery that is becoming increasingly popular. These batteries contain an alkaline electrolyte instead of water, meaning that they don’t require charging like the previous example does.
This makes them much simpler to use, but at the same time, they tend to be less durable than their counterparts. Because of this, they aren’t really suitable for people who are looking for something that lasts a long time.
3. Deep Cycle Sealed Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries
These batteries are similar to the ones mentioned above, except that they are designed specifically for deep cycling applications. This means that they are able to withstand higher loads than regular 12-volt batteries, which is why they are often recommended for heavy equipment usage.
Although they are more expensive than other types of 12-volt batteries, they are still quite affordable.
4. Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
Flooded lead-acid batteries are a bit different from the rest of the examples listed here. Instead of using a liquid electrolyte, they use a solid form of electrolyte, which allows them to operate at lower temperatures.
This means that they can handle high-temperature situations better than other types of batteries.
They also offer a lot of power, allowing them to provide enough energy for bigger projects. However, these batteries are rather large, and therefore, they are not suitable for smaller devices.
Lithium-Ion 12-Voltage Battery Types
Just like we’ve already briefly touched upon above, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly becoming a worthy rival to lead-acid 12-volt battery types, especially in recent years.
However, even though this might very well be the case, it is still important to note that these battery types are still a relatively new technology, so there aren’t too many types of lithium-ion 12-voltage batteries out there on the market at the moment.
At the time of writing this guide, lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive out of the two most common types of 12-voltage batteries currently available.
Despite the significant price point differences between lead-acid 12-voltage batteries and lithium-ion batteries – many battery users find the additional cost of owning a lithium-ion to be a worthy sacrifice given all the advantages it offers. Let’s take a look at them below:
For starters, unlike all the lead-acid battery options that we have talked you through above, lithium-ion batteries are deemed to be superior because they are able to last up to 5 times longer than lead-acid batteries can.
In addition to that, lithium-ion batteries are also known to offer a far more efficient charging rate, and to top it all off, can even get rid of their disposable, stored energy without causing any damage to the internal structure of the battery.
This means that lithium-ion batteries are able to maintain their integrity and optional performance ability for longer than lead-acid batteries can, on average.
12-Voltage Batteries: Top Product Recommendations
If you’re planning on running a device off of a single 12-volt battery for longer periods of time, then a rechargeable battery might be the way to go. These are great because they allow you to keep using the same battery until it runs out, rather than having to constantly replace it.
They also tend to last much longer than their non-rechargeable counterparts. However, they are slightly more expensive than regular 12-volt batteries, but this cost difference tends to even itself out after a while.
The best way to decide which 12-volt battery to buy would be to take into consideration your needs. If you need a battery that has a longer life span, then you might want to consider buying a flooded lead-acid battery.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a battery that is capable of providing a lot of power, then you may want to opt for a deep cycle sealed valve-regulated lead-acid battery.
In order to help you make an informed decision about whether, or not, you should invest in one of these 12-volt battery types for your next project, we have compiled a list of some of the best products on the market today. The following is a brief overview of each product:
OUR TOP PICK
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POWER QUEEN 12V LifFePO4 Lithium-Ion Battery
EDITORS CHOICE
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TalentCell Rechargeable 12V 100Ah
BEST VALUE
[amazon fields=”B00K8V30D0″ value=”thumb”]
OUR TOP PICK
POWER QUEEN 12V LifFePO4 Lithium-Ion Battery
[amazon fields=”B09BQRF4N7″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Are you on the search for a lightweight rechargeable battery? If so, then we think that you might love the POWER QUEEN 12V LiFePO4 Lithium-Ion Battery.
This fantastic little 12-volt battery is super-fast charging and comes with a built-in 50A BMS that will be able to protect itself from overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting.
It also only weighs 11.57lbs, which is one-third lighter than the average lithium-ion battery you can currently find on the market!
It also boasts the capacity of up to 4000 cycles over a 10-year lifetime – so it’s certainly worth the investment.
EDITORS CHOICE
TalentCell Rechargeable 12V 100Ah
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This is a very powerful charger that is capable of delivering a maximum output of 80A Max. It has been constructed from 64pcs and contains extremely high quality 32700 cells in 4S16P.
For your convenience, this lithium-ion battery is extremely lightweight and equipped with a super large capacity that will be able to power all of your devices without a hitch.
Not only that, but thanks to the portable, rectangular design of this particular rechargeable battery, it is very similar to the standard dimensions of a lead-acid battery.
So if you’re upgrading from your current one – you should find that the installation process takes just a few seconds to complete. Plus, when properly maintained, you can expect this battery to last for around 3-5 years. Impressive or what?
BEST VALUE
ML7-12 Mighty Max Battery
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The last on our list is a great little battery from ML and is perfect for anyone on a budget. This battery has a capacity of 12 volts, and it is able to provide up to 7 amp-hours of current.
It has a compact design, weighing less than two pounds, and it has a built-in LED flashlight. It comes with a standard 1-year warranty. This is a great little battery that is ideal for powering small electronic gadgets or appliances.
RUNNER UP
Zooms 12V Lithium-Ion Battery
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If you’re currently in the market to make an investment in a lithium-ion battery and upgrade from your current lead-acid model, then you won’t regret choosing this lithium-ion battery option from Zooms.
Boasting an impressively long battery life that will ensure that you get the very best value for your money, the Zooms 12-Volt Lithium-Ion battery comes with the promise of being able to offer a recycling period of between 4000 and 8000 cycles.
Before needing to be replaced (yes, you read that right!). When you break that down, it means that this battery from Zooms will be able to last you for around 10 years if taken care of properly.
Plus, alongside its lightweight design, the ability to offer up to 3 times more usable energy than other batteries on the market as well as a low self-discharge rate, this battery from Zooms also comes with a built-in 100A BMS.
Which will be able to support a maximum output of 100A max. It will also be able to prevent overheating, overcharging, and even short-circuiting. It’s a great option for anyone looking to make an investment in a lithium-ion battery.
RUNNER UP
NPP NP12-7Ah Rechargeable Lead-Acid Battery
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Last but certainly not least, the final 12V battery currently on the market that is worth your attention is the NP12-7Ah Rechargeable Lead-Acid Battery.
The perfect option for anyone on a budget or on the search for a rechargeable battery that isn’t going to break the bank, this 12-volt battery comes equipped with a 12-volt current.
And 7-amp capacity ideal for backup power purposes, fire alarms, computer standby power, and much more.
Plus, designed to last, this rechargeable lead-acid battery from NPP comes with a super rugged design, as the battery housing case has been made from a non-conductive ABS plastic.
Thanks to this, besides being able to withstand regular use and general wear and tear, this lead-acid battery will also be able to resist shocks, vibration, exposure to chemicals, and even external factors such as high temperatures.
It’s the perfect option for anyone currently in the market for a lead-acid battery that isn’t going to break the bank.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Choosing A 12-Volt Battery
So, now that we have taken the time to talk you through the various different types of 12-volt batteries currently out there to choose from (as well as share with you some of the best models currently on the market) we’re hoping that you now discovered the perfect 12-volt battery for you and your needs!
Needless to say, before you go ahead and make that purchase, we first recommend that you spend a few moments reading through the following buying guide.
Below, we are going to be breaking down some of the most important factors that you should take into account when deciding which 12-voltage battery to buy, as this will help to ensure that you make the most well-informed decision possible.
Check each factor that we recommend taking into account below:
Voltage
So, even though you are on the search for a 12-voltage battery, it’s still a very good idea to consider what type of voltage will be best-suited to your needs. Essentially, the voltage of a battery simply refers to how much voltage a battery contains.
The higher the number, the more energy that is available from the battery. A lower voltage means that the battery will have less power, and it may not be able to handle the current draw of some devices. For instance, many laptops require at least 9 volts.
While others need anywhere between 11 and 16 volts. With this being said, if you need to power a device that requires a large current, then a 12-volt battery might not be powerful enough.
Capacity
The capacity of a battery refers to how much power it can supply over time. The larger the capacity, the longer the battery will last before needing recharging.
Some people choose to buy extra batteries because their device needs a lot of power, so having a large capacity could mean fewer trips to the store to restock on batteries.
Weight
Are you in need of a 12-volt battery that can be used for travel or outdoor purposes? If you answered yes to that question, then factoring in the weight of the 12-volt battery into your decision-making process will be a good idea.
A lighter weight battery will be easier to take from place to place, and will be especially suited to those who don’t plan on using their battery too often.
However, if you plan on using the battery regularly or need to power a power-hungry device, then heavier batteries tend to hold up better against heavy-duty usage.
Durability
If you’re looking to get the very best value for your money, then you should be sure to opt for a 12-volt battery that is going to be able to offer you the longest service life possible.
Batteries degrade over time, so buying one that is going to be able to last you for at least three years is a good idea.
Warranty
Do you want to risk spending money on a product without knowing whether, or not, it will actually perform well? Buying a battery with a warranty gives you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about replacing the battery if it doesn’t live up to expectations.
Compatibility
What type of device are you going to charge? Will you be able to plug it into any old wall socket? Or will you need a special adapter?
While you are selecting which 12-volt battery to buy, you should be sure that the model you end up selecting is going to be compatible with the device in mind that you would like to power.
Price
Another very important factor that you should take into account when choosing a 12-volt battery is the price point.
How much you can expect to spend on a 12-voltage battery will ultimately depend on what type of 12-volt battery you buy, although you should be prepared to spend at least a couple of hundred dollars – especially if you want to get your hands on one that is going to be of a high quality.
Safety
Are you worried about safety issues? Even though the majority of 12-volt batteries are designed with your safety in mind, it is still important to note that there are some batteries that contain toxic chemicals which can be very harmful if they come into contact with the skin.
You should also be sure to avoid ever getting your 12-volt battery in water. Regardless of which 12-volt battery model you choose, we recommend reading the label carefully before purchasing so you are aware of all the safety features that it comes with.
Brand
There are plenty of other companies out there besides reputable and respected brands such as Samsung and Energizer.
So, make sure that you’re researching the various brands currently leading in this industry, so that you can be sure that you are totally and completely satisfied with the brand you purchase from.
Some people prefer to purchase from well-reputed brands because it gives a better sense of security to the purchase.
These companies have not become well-known because they produce sub-par batteries. Instead, they have become so popular because they produce good quality products.
So, you may choose to buy from a big brand such as Samsung or Energizer, because these brands seem more reputable.
Likewise, you might simply decide to purchase from one of these companies because you are somebody who places a lot of value on a brand.
Features
Does the battery include additional features that you didn’t expect? For instance, does it have a built-in flashlight?
While this might not be necessary for everyone, if you’re the outdoorsy type or you want your battery to contain additional conveniences, then you’re going to want to make these types of additional features a priority when deciding which battery to pick.
Different batteries come with different features. So, when you are selecting one to buy, it is vitally important that you purchase a battery that offers features that complement what you want to use the battery for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A 12-Volt Battery?
A 12-volt battery is a type of rechargeable battery that can be used to power small appliances, such as flashlights and radios. A 12-volt battery has two terminals (positive and negative) and an internal resistance or voltage drop when the battery is not fully charged.
The voltage drop is about 1/3 of a full charge. The most common size for a 12-volt battery is an AA battery, although many other sizes are available. The term “AA” stands for alkaline.
How Do I Know If My 12-volt Battery Needs Replacing?
If you are planning on purchasing a non-rechargeable battery – then as soon as it runs out of power, you will need to go ahead and purchase a replacement as this type of 12-volt battery is not designed to be recharged.
On the other hand, if you are planning on purchasing a rechargeable 12-volt battery, then there are a few signs that you can keep an eye out for that will be a strong indication that it is in need of being replaced.
The first most obvious sign that your 12-volt battery is in need of being replaced is when it is no longer powering your device. However, there are a variety of other tell-tale signs that are indicative that your battery is in need of a replacement, including the following:
- Your battery is taking longer to charge than usual.
- It does not offer the same amount of time in-between charges as it once did.
- It is overheating.
- You are noticing that your device is not being powered in the way that it once was.
How Much Current Does A 12-Volt Battery Draw?
The amount of current that a 12-volt battery will draw depends on the type of 12-volt battery that you are using. However, you will find that the majority of 12-volt batteries will require at least 2 amps of current in order to operate properly.
Although, many electrical devices use less than this amount of current, which means that, oftentimes, 12-volt batteries can comfortably run on 1 amperage.
Still, when you are buying a new battery, it’s important to make sure that it is rated for enough current to run the device that you are wanting to run.
As an example, a flashlight uses about 0.5 amp of current, while a car is going to require a lot more than that.
Can I Use A 9 Volt Battery Instead Of A 12 Volt Battery?
While a 9-volt battery might be suitable for powering very small electronic devices, you’re going to find that, for the most part, a 9-volt battery is going to be far too weak to provide the necessary current needed to operate your devices.
It is also worth noting that there isn’t too much of a price difference between a 9-volt and 12-volt battery model, so it’s worth opting for a 12-volt battery regardless, as you’ll be getting the very best value for your money.
How Long Does A 12-volt Battery Last?
The lifespan of your 12-volt battery will ultimately depend on what type of 12-volt battery you have, its overall quality as well as how well you maintain and care for it. With that being said, though, the most common lifespan typically associated with a 12-volt battery is anywhere between 3 and 5 years.
If you’re unsure of how long your 12-volt battery should last, then we recommend taking a look at your owner’s manual that you would have received in the box upon purchasing your battery, as you will usually be able to find an estimate there.
As for how long you can expect your 12-volt battery to last once fully charged? Well, again, this will ultimately depend on what type of 12-volt battery you have, as well as what its overall quality is. On average, you’re going to find that it will take about 3 hours to fully charge your 12-volt battery.
However, the capacity of the battery decreases over time. After a few years, a 12-volt battery may no longer hold its original charge. Once it has charged up, depending on what type of 12-volt battery you have, you can expect it to last anywhere from between 8 hours up to 2 weeks.
Do I Need A Charger To Recharge A 12-volt Battery Pack?
Yes, unless you plan on purchasing a disposable 12-volt battery, you’re going to need to make sure that you are regularly recharging your battery – otherwise, you’re only going to find that you are unable to use it!
The amount of time a 12-volt battery will be able to power itself before needing to be recharged will ultimately depend on what type of 12-volt battery you decide to go for, but the majority of 12-volt batteries will need to be recharged after around 8-12 hours.
However, there are some 12-volt batteries (such as 12-volt car batteries) that can last up to around 2 weeks before they will need to be recharged once again.
The Bottom Line
There we have it! Hopefully, after reading all of this information, you now know everything there is to know about 12-volt batteries.
Sure, even though there’s no denying that 12-volt batteries can be pretty tricky to get your head around, we hope that this guide has not only helped you to better understand the differences between the two most popular variations currently available on the market.
But, also have a much better understanding of how to choose the right 12-voltage battery for you and your personal needs.
The only question left is, which 12-volt battery will you buy? Thank you for taking the time to read, we hope that this guide has been a help!
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