Automotive Batteries – The Difference Between Starter Type and Deep Cycle Batteries

Automotive battery characteristics play an important role when selecting the correct one for your particular application. Do you need a high current for short bursts to start a vehicle or are you going to have high and frequent discharges to power accessories such a radio or pump on a boat or RV? Choosing the wrong battery for your particular application will not only shorten it’s life span, but it will not provide the correct operating characteristics and end up costing you money!

Starter type batteries are constructed with thin plates that have a large surface area. They are built to provide a short burst of high starting current for ignition systems and are not meant to be discharged more than 1% – 5% from their full charge. Doing so will greatly shorten the life of the battery and if deep discharged will only provide 30 -50 discharge cycles. Once your vehicle is started and running, the alternator takes over the task of powering up the vehicles electrical system and keeping the battery at a full charge.

Deep cycle batteries are constructed with thicker plates and are designed to be deep discharged time after time without shortening the life of the battery. This particular battery can be discharged down to as much as 50% of its capacity without damaging it. Conversely, these batteries are not designed to provide the high starting current required for ignition systems. Typical uses for deep cycle batteries are electrical systems in RV’s, boats and electric vehicles. When grouped together in series, they can provide a wide range of voltages for many different applications.