1. Home
  3. Battery Basics

Battery Basics

Understanding Battery Basics

When looking at batteries and chargers, you're probably buried in information—some of which is conflicting and in many cases incorrect. Here we aim to clear that up a bit.

Key Battery Concepts

1. Battery Capacity

  • Measured in Amp-hours (Ah) - Indicates how much energy a battery can store
  • Higher Ah rating = Longer runtime between charges
  • Example: A 10Ah battery can theoretically deliver 1 amp for 10 hours

2. Voltage

  • Nominal voltage - The standard operating voltage (e.g., 12V, 6V)
  • Fully charged voltage - Typically higher than nominal (e.g., 12.6V-13V for a 12V battery)
  • Voltage drops as the battery discharges

3. Battery Types

  • Lead-Acid - Traditional, affordable, requires maintenance
  • AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) - Sealed, maintenance-free, better performance
  • Lithium (LiFePO4) - Lightweight, long-lasting, fast charging, premium option

Charging Your Battery

Important Charging Guidelines

  • Use the correct charger - Match the charger to your battery type and voltage
  • Charging rate - Typically 10% of battery capacity (e.g., 1A charger for 10Ah battery)
  • Avoid overcharging - Can damage battery and reduce lifespan
  • Temperature matters - Charge in moderate temperatures (10-30°C ideal)

Battery Maintenance Tips

  • Keep terminals clean and free from corrosion
  • Store in a cool, dry place when not in use
  • Maintain charge levels - don't let battery sit discharged for extended periods
  • Check electrolyte levels regularly (for non-sealed batteries)
  • Test battery health periodically

Common Battery Myths

  • Myth: You need to fully discharge before recharging
    Fact: Modern batteries don't have memory effect - partial charging is fine
  • Myth: All chargers are the same
    Fact: Different battery types require specific charging profiles
  • Myth: Bigger is always better
    Fact: Choose capacity based on your actual needs and space constraints

Need Help?

If you have questions about which battery or charger is right for your application, contact us at www.moto-tech.com.au