General
Information
10
Starter
versus Deep Cycle batteries?
Starter batteries have high current cells and a Battery Management System(BMS) designed to handle the higher current required to
start a vehicle or engine. Starter batteries deliver a large amount of current for only a short time and are not designed to be extended
range energy storage devices. Deep Cycle Batteries have cells and a BMS designed for energy storage which requires a lower current,
but they have a high capacity for a much longer run time. Also,
“Starter”
batteries use lithium-ion cells that have the ability to be fully
charged and discharged and have long life with 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD). Most lead acid batteries experience significantly
reduced cycle life if they are discharged more than 50%. In simple terms, a starter battery could be compared to a sprinter and a
Deep Cycle battery would be a marathon runner. The two battery types are not interchangeable as the cell and BMS structures are
different.
How
long will my “Starter” battery last?
There are several factors that affect the life of a battery. Weather, temperature, recharge cycles, depth of discharge (DOD),
discharge current, charging current, charging method, vibration and duration of static use can all have dramatic effects on battery
life. A properly maintained Starter Battery should last roughly three times as long as a lead-acid battery used in similar conditions.
Life expectancy is 8-10 years with normal use.
Battery
Cycle Life
Battery manufacturers rate the cycle life of their batteries by comparing the level of discharge on the battery and the frequency of
cycling. Higher battery discharge will result in a shorter cycle life. In reverse, a smaller discharge percentage will extend the expected
cycle life of the battery as the battery will provide more charge/discharges. Lithiumhub estimates an average life cycle of its Starter
Batteries at 3000 cycles with average use. As noted, life cycles will vary based on use parameters and operating conditions
.