AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. In an AGM battery, the acid is contained in woven fiberglass mats between the lead plates. This is in contrast to other types of lead acid batteries where the acid is free.
The disadvantage is that these batteries must always be kept upright, otherwise acid may leak out. Moreover, these batteries are not suitable for long-term autonomous use.
AGM batteries are VRLA batteries. VRLA technology, aka Valve Regulated Lead Acid, translates as an acid accumulator with a regulating valve. The case of such batteries is closed, but in the event of an increase in internal pressure, the safety system is triggered and the battery continues to work properly.
Since AGM batteries do not leak, they are easy to transport.
An AGM battery has many advantages over a standard lead acid battery:
- Can be charged in a shorter time.
- Better withstand vibrations.
- Longer service life.
- There is no risk of leakage at all.
- Effective at extremely low temperatures.
- Completely out of service.
- High starting current.
- Smaller and lighter thanks to the fiberglass divider.
- Environmentally friendly in terms of recycling.
The electrolyte in an AGM battery is gel and is not liquid like the acid in a lead acid battery. Plates in an AGM accumulator also have a large surface area and therefore a large capacity. Because there is no space above the plates for battery acid (electrolyte).
What are the disadvantages of an AGM battery:
- AGM is more expensive than lead acid due to its advanced technology.
- The AGM battery cannot withstand high temperatures and therefore cannot be installed in the engine compartment.
Using an AGM battery
Greater use of AGM-accumulators is observed, first of all, in middle-class cars. More than 10 years ago, models of this class consumed about 1000 watts, but today it is already 3000 watts. All due to additional consumers such as on-board computers, seat heating, charging mobile devices and much more. In addition, the stop-start and regenerative braking systems place a high strain on the battery.
In addition to the AGM battery, there are ECM batteries for use in the more compact class of vehicles.
Can a lead-acid battery be installed instead of an AGM battery?
The answer will be clear and concise, no, this is impossible. In terms of capacity, they are not large enough and a much larger battery must be installed to achieve similar values. In addition, a lead-acid battery is not able to withstand peak loads after discharge-charge. If the vehicle is equipped with an AGM battery from the factory, it must be replaced with a similar cell.