What type of battery is typically found in a car?

In most conventional cars, the battery is a 12-volt lead-acid starter battery. In newer vehicles with start-stop systems or higher electrical demands, advanced versions such as AGM or EFB batteries are common.

The standard 12-volt starter battery

This battery provides the engine with a strong burst of current to crank the starter motor and also powers electrical systems when the engine is not running. It is typically a sealed lead-acid cell bank, consisting of six cells in series for a nominal 12 volts, with capacity rated in amp-hours (Ah) and cold-cranking amps (CCA).

Common battery chemistries used in cars

Car batteries today fall into a few common chemistries. The following list highlights the types most often found in passenger cars.

• Flooded lead-acid (wet) batteries: The traditional, cost-effective option. Many are sealed or maintenance-free in modern cars.


• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries: Sealed and spill-proof, with high cranking power and good cycling ability; widely used in cars with start-stop systems and higher electrical loads.


• Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) batteries: A more robust version of flooded batteries designed for increased cycling, used in some start-stop applications.

Different vehicles may use one of these types; modern start-stop cars typically rely on AGM or EFB to handle frequent cycling without gas buildup or leaks.

What about hybrids and electric vehicles?

Hybrid and electric vehicles rely on high-voltage battery packs (often lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride) for propulsion. They still typically include a 12-volt auxiliary battery to run lights, infotainment, and control systems, which is usually AGM, GEL, or sealed lead-acid.

Where the battery sits and how it is maintained

In most cars, the 12-volt battery sits in the engine bay, though some models relocate it to the trunk for packaging or weight distribution reasons. It connects to a battery management system that monitors voltage and charging. Maintenance is minimal for sealed batteries, but you should keep terminals clean and ensure the alternator is charging properly.

Maintenance and replacement considerations

When choosing or maintaining a car battery, consider its design, expected lifespan, and climate.

• Choosing a type: Start-stop systems and high electrical demand favor AGM or EFB; flooding is cheaper but less robust for frequent cycling.


• Replacement and lifespan: Typical life is about 3–5 years; heat reduces lifespan, while cold affects starting power requirements.


• Recycling and disposal: Lead-acid batteries are highly recyclable; have old batteries recycled at auto shops or service centers.

Regular checks such as voltage or load testing help prevent unexpected failures; signs of a failing battery include slow engine crank, dim lights, or dashboard warning indicators.

Summary

For most passenger cars, the standard 12-volt lead-acid starter battery remains the norm. Modern vehicles with start-stop systems may use AGM or EFB variants to handle frequent cycling, while hybrids and electric vehicles rely on high-voltage packs with a smaller 12-volt auxiliary battery. Knowing the battery type aids maintenance, replacement decisions, and proper recycling.

Are car batteries STD or AGM?

Car batteries can be either standard (flooded lead-acid) or AGM (absorbed glass-mat), with standard being more common for older cars and AGM required for newer ones with higher power demands or stop-start systems. The best way to tell is by checking the label for keywords like "AGM," "Absorbent Glass Mat," or checking the physical design for removable caps (standard) versus a sealed, maintenance-free unit (AGM).
 
Standard vs. AGM car batteries 

Feature	Standard (Flooded Lead-Acid)	AGM (Absorbent Glass-Mat)
Commonality	More common in older vehicles	Increasingly common in newer vehicles with higher power needs
Construction	Features a liquid electrolyte that requires maintenance and topping off	Electrolyte is absorbed into glass-mat separators, making it sealed and maintenance-free
Performance	Adequate for basic starting and accessories	Better performance in high-heat/high-demand situations; more resistant to vibration
Lifespan	Can be shorter, typically 3-5 years	Can last longer, up to 10 years with proper use
Cost	Less expensive upfront	More expensive upfront

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How to identify your car battery

• Check the label: Look directly on the battery for "AGM," "Absorbent Glass Mat," or "Sealed Non-Spillable". If it says "flooded," it's a standard battery. 
• Inspect the physical design: Standard batteries may have removable caps for checking fluid levels, while AGM batteries are sealed and maintenance-free. 
• Consult your car's manual: The owner's manual will specify the correct battery type for your vehicle. 
• Note your car's features: Newer vehicles with technologies like start-stop systems typically require AGM batteries, so it's crucial to replace a specific type with the same type. 

What type of battery is most commonly used in cars?

The lead-acid battery is the most common type used in automobiles, especially for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, due to its affordability and reliability. Within this category, flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries are the traditional and most common design, while more modern vehicles with advanced electronics often use Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, which are a type of advanced lead-acid battery. For electric and hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are widely used. 
For internal combustion engine vehicles

• Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA): The most traditional and cost-effective type, requiring periodic maintenance to top off the electrolyte. 
• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM): An advanced lead-acid battery that is maintenance-free, offers higher performance, and is ideal for vehicles with start-stop systems and other power-hungry electronics. 
• Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB): A hybrid option that provides better performance and lifespan than standard FLA batteries and is suitable for vehicles with more electrical demands. 

For electric and hybrid vehicles

• Lithium-Ion: The standard for most electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due to their high energy density and efficiency. 
• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH): Was once common in hybrid vehicles before lithium-ion became prevalent and offers good performance and durability. 

What type of battery is in a car?

The main types of car batteries are lead-acid (including flooded, enhanced flooded, and AGM) and lithium-ion. Other variations include gel cell batteries and nickel-metal hydride, though lead-acid and lithium-ion are the most common for starting and powering vehicles. The best choice depends on the vehicle's technology, your climate, and your budget.
 
This video explains the different types of car batteries and their characteristics: 59sGenesis OffroadYouTube · Jul 16, 2025
Lead-acid batteries 

• Flooded: The most traditional type, they consist of lead plates submerged in a liquid electrolyte. 
• Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB): An improvement on flooded batteries, designed to handle the higher demands of modern vehicles, especially those with start-stop technology. 
• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM): A more advanced type that uses a "glass mat" to absorb the electrolyte, making it maintenance-free, spill-proof, and more vibration-resistant. They are often recommended for start-stop vehicles and offer better performance than standard flooded batteries. 
• Gel Cell: The electrolyte is suspended in a gel, making them spill-proof and resistant to vibration. They are a good choice for deep-cycle applications. 

Other battery types

• Lithium-ion: Increasingly used in newer and electric/hybrid vehicles, they are lighter and have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. 
• Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH): Another type of rechargeable battery technology. 

Which type of battery is found in a car?

A car battery is most commonly a lead-acid battery, which comes in two main types: flooded (wet cell) and sealed (like AGM or gel). These batteries store energy through a chemical reaction involving lead plates and a sulfuric acid electrolyte. Newer vehicles may also use lithium-ion batteries, although they may require compatibility modifications.
 
Lead-acid batteries 

• Flooded (wet cell): This is the traditional and most affordable type. The plates are submerged in a liquid electrolyte and require regular maintenance, such as adding distilled water. 
• Sealed (VRLA - Valve Regulated Lead Acid): These are maintenance-free and more resistant to spillage. 
  • AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat): The electrolyte is absorbed in a glass fiber mat, making them durable and resistant to vibration. 
  • Gel Cell: The electrolyte is suspended in a gel-like substance, which makes them highly resistant to heat and spillage. 

Other types

• Lithium-ion: Some modern cars are starting to use lithium-ion batteries, which offer high performance but can be more expensive and may require changes to the vehicle's charging system.