Advantages and Disadvantages of Lead–Acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries are widely used in vehicles and other applications requiring high values of load current. Its main benefits are low capital costs, maturity of technology, and efficient recycling.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Low-cost and simple manufacture Low cost per watt-hour
High specific power, capable of high discharge currents Good performance at low and high temperatures No block-wise or cell-wise BMS required |
Low specific energy; poor weight-to-energy ratio
Slow charging: Fully saturated charge takes 14–16 hours Need for storage in charged condition to prevent sulfation Limited cycle life; repeated deep-cycling reduces battery life Watering requirement for flooded type Transportation restrictions for flooded type Adverse environmental impact |
Types of Lead-Acid Batteries
| Type | Description |
| Sealed, or maintenance- free | First appeared in the mid-1970s. Engineers deemed the term “sealed lead–acid” a misnomer because lead–acid batteries cannot be totally sealed. To control venting during stressful charge and rapid discharge, valves have been added to allow the release of gases if pressure builds up. |
| Starter | Designed to crank an engine with a momentary high-power load lasting a second or so. For its size, the battery delivers high currents, but it cannot be deep-cycled. |
| Deep-cycle | Built to provide continuous power for wheelchairs, golf carts, and forklifts, among others. This battery is built for maximum capacity and a reasonably high cycle count. |
Uses of Lead–Acid Batteries
| Type of Lead–Acid Battery | Uses |
| Sealed lead–acid (SLA) | Small UPS, emergency lighting, and wheelchairs. Because of its low price, dependable service, and low maintenance requirement, the SLA remains the preferred choice for health care in hospitals and retirement homes. |
| Valve-regulated lead–acid (VRLA) | Power backup for cellular repeater towers, internet hubs, banks, hospitals, airports, and others. |
| Absorbent glass mat (AGM) | Starter battery for motorcycles, start–stop function for micro-hybrid cars, as well as marine vehicles and RVs that need some cycling. |
