It is a common mistake to consider the Deep-cycle batteries and regular batteries the same. There are a lot of performance and construction-based differences between these two batteries. Depending on those, the battery’s compatibility with different works is determined.
That is why you need to know what is the difference between deep cycle and regular batteries. Otherwise, you may end up getting an incorrect battery for your purpose. And it can be upsetting as the rechargeable batteries do not come cheap.
Rechargeable batteries have evolved into many different variations since it was discovered. You should read this article till the end to learn more about deep cycle batteries and regular batteries.
What Is The Difference Between Deep Cycle And Regular Batteries- Depth and Detail Discussion
A deep cycle battery is considered capable of going deeply discharged after every use. These batteries have a higher cycle of charging after every discharge and are designed to deliver steady energy for a longer period of time.
In the deep cycle batteries, thicker electrodes are used, which results in a slow and steady flow of electrons during energy conversion. They can be regularly recharged, and thus, it has a higher amount of charge cycles. Besides, deep cycle batteries have a higher depth of discharge than other batteries.
What is a regular battery?
By the term regular batteries, we mean automotive batteries. These batteries are mostly made for initial and higher amounts of cranking power. It provides a short-time burst of power known as Cold Cranking amps to ignite and start the automotive engines.
These batteries use thinner electrodes to produce instant amperage delivery and use basic electrochemical reactions between the electrode and electrolytes. Sulphuric acid is used as the electrolyte in this type of battery. The Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), Gel, or Lithium batteries are some variations of regular starting batteries.
Head To Head Comparison: Deep Cycle Battery Vs. Regular Battery
Different types of batteries have different purposes. You cannot power up the home appliances using a regular automotive battery. For this reason, you should understand the differences between a Deep Cycle Battery and Regular Battery.
Maintenance of the Batteries
The important part of the maintenance of the batteries is recharging. This section has a huge difference between the Deep Cycle Battery and regular automotive batteries. Since the deep cycle batteries are designed for a high discharge rate, they can be used till the State of Charge (SoC) reaches 10-20%.
In electric vehicles, powering up pumps require deep cycle batteries for emergency power delivery. On the other hand, regular batteries have a strict limit on the depth of discharge. These batteries are not allowed to go below 50% depth of discharge. Moreover, these batteries remain connected to the alternator, which continuously charges the battery and maintains the limit.
The regular flooded, wet-cell, or Lead-acid batteries require regular refilling of electrolytes in each cell. But it is not mandatory for deep cycle batteries as most batteries are made of absorbed and Gel-type electrolytes.
Power Delivery
A regular automotive battery has a unique and important purpose of supplying quick bursts of power. The cold cranking amp (CCA) delivers amperage to the vehicle engine for 30 seconds. And it should be done at negative 18 degrees Celsius without compromising the voltage below 10V.
For example, an automotive battery has 250 CCA. It means it can consistently deliver 250 amps of current for 30 seconds at 10V. But in the case of deep cycle batteries, the story is different.
The deep cycle batteries are made for a slow and steady energy flow with time. Hence it cannot produce higher CCAs such as automotive batteries.
Construction of The Batteries
Both Deep Cycle batteries and Regular batteries are similar types of construction. There are lead electrodes, acid electrolytes, and different cells. But deep cycle batteries have thicker lead plates. These lead plates have calcium embedded to ensure control over the flow of electrons.
On the other hand, some regular AGM, Gel batteries possess very thin lead plates. As a result a higher number of lead plates can be confined together in the cells of the batteries. Therefore the burst of initial power from the battery can be seen, which is important for starting an engine.
Longevity of the batteries
A deep cycle battery or a regular battery has a different purpose. The longevity of the batteries depends upon the usage, maintenance, etc. A regular high-quality AGM battery can last for 3-8 years. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan up to 8 years.
On the other hand, deep cycle batteries can serve you for 4 to 7 years. You need to recharge the battery regularly to keep the batteries healthy and live longer.
Uses of the batteries
A deep cycle battery is used in recreational vehicles, camping sites, home inverter systems, powering portable electronic devices, etc. A regular starting battery is used for turning over the vehicle engines.
Are These Batteries Interchangeable?
A deep cycle battery is interchangeable with regular batteries. An almost similar type of technology is used to produce the batteries. Besides, the charging sequences of the batteries are similar. But it is not recommended to interchange the batteries.
Regular batteries are made especially for powering up engines. It cannot provide steady power supplies to DC electronic devices. A deep cycle battery cannot produce high cranking power. Thus installing a deep cycle battery to power up a vehicle can fail.
Is a deep cycle battery better than a regular battery?
Both deep cycle batteries and regular batteries have different types of purposes. Therefore it cannot be said that one battery is better than the other. Depending on the work type and performance, both batteries are capable of doing good work.
You cannot swap the work compatibility of the batteries. However, it can be said that deep cycle batteries are better than conventional batteries in terms of capability. Because deep cycle batteries can be used to do any type of work? But a conventional flooded lead-acid battery can be used only for starting up an engine.
So Which One Should You Pick?
Picking up a battery depends entirely upon the purpose of the battery. If you are willing to replace your car battery, get a better battery for powering up the engine. Then you should purchase regular batteries. The Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a good option for this work type because they have higher CCA.
On the other hand, you can get a deep cycle battery to power up small electric appliances of your RV. It can also be used with AC to DC inverters and electric vehicles. Deep cycle batteries can be used to make your camping more lively and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Question
Do some questions wander in your mind? Then check our FAQ section below.
Is it OK to use a deep cycle battery in my car?
If you are willing to install a deep cycle battery in your car for igniting the engine, it should not be done. However, some dual-purpose deep cycle batteries have higher CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). You can get a deep cycle battery for your car in such scenarios. Otherwise, it is recommended to get AGM batteries with high CCA.
Will an alternator charge a deep cycle battery?
An alternator of a vehicle can charge your deep cycle batteries. Steady driving for a long time can effectively charge the deep cycle batteries by converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. But there is a drawback for this purpose as it cannot put enough voltage for the battery car.
Conclusion
In the last decade, there has been an enormous development in the field of rechargeable batteries. Many new batteries have emerged due to rapid research and development. But, the basic electrochemical reaction behind these batteries remains the same.
It is common for a new user to get confused while getting or choosing a battery out of many different types. Hence you should know what is the difference between deep cycle and regular batteries. Knowing the comparison, it becomes easy to choose and make a purchase of a battery.