AGM Deep Cycle Batteries: The Benefits That Set them Apart

When it comes to picking batteries for 12V systems and appliances, usually the choice comes down to AGM deep cycle batteries. AGM batteries are the go-to option for appliances that need to run over long periods of time, such as portable fridges, light kits, inverters and similar. Therefore, it’s common that campers and people who want to power their homes off grid have a lot of questions concerning this kind of battery. If you too were googling to find out something more about this type of battery, you’ve come to the right place.

What Is an AGM Deep Cycle Battery?

AGM is an abreviation for “Absorbed Glass Mat”. In other words, AGM deep cycle batteries are built differently from the standard wet, gel or flooded battery. The thing that sets them apart is the presence of a chemical component, usually sulfuric acid which triggers a reaction that results in voltage and electricity. The chemical is absorbed by a very fine fibreglass mat, which makes the battery spill-proof, allowing it to be shipped with no hazardous material restrictions.

We’ve tackled the meaning behind AGM, but what does deep cycle mean? The term deep cycle refers to the ability of the battery to be discharged and recharged for multiple cycles. Opposed to starter batteries, like a car battery for example, that offer a short burst of energy and discharge only a small part of their capacity, a deep cycle battery delivers a steady flow of current over a longer period.

Due to the way they are constructed AGM deep cycle batteries are in many ways supperior to any regular or starter battery. Here are their biggest benefits.

Durable

One of the biggest benefits of AGM batteries is that they have a longer lifespan than other batteries. For instance, compared to a flooded battery, an AGM deep cycle battery can last up to two or three times as long. The main reason AGM batteries are so longlasting is that they are deep-discharge resistant. In other words, they can hold a charge longer and can even remain charged for 6 to 8 months without being used because they have a very low self-discharge rate.

Safe

Because the glass mat absorbs the lead acid, this battery is unspillable. Even if you turn the battery upside down, the electrolyte will not spill out of it. As such, these batteries present no risk of electrolyte burns. In addition, AGM batteries do not give off any gas when they’re being charged, which means you don’t need to worry whether they’re properly ventilated when charging them. They are also able to work properly during cold temperatures which is not the case with regular lead-acid batteries.

As a result, they can be safely used in all kinds of outdoor conditions, like for instance inside a motorhome. Plus, when you’re done using your AGM deep cycle battery, you can dispose of it easily as there’s no risk for dangerous chemicals to spill into the environment. With that being said, it’s no wonder AGM batteries are the preffered batteries for upscale motorcycles as there’s no risk of acid spilling during an accident.

More Efficient

The unique advantage of AGM deep cycle batteries is that they charge up to five times faster than flooded batteries. In addition, AGM technology allows for a depth of discharge of 80%, as opposed to flooded batteries which have a 50% depth of discharge to maintain the same cycle duration.

Easy to Maintain

A very convenient advantage of AGM batteries is that you can put them to use right away. Besides recharging them before use, these batteries do not need additional care such as topping off liquids as their flooded cell counterparts do. As a result, AGM batteries save users time on both installation and maintenance.

Versatile

The majority of AGM batteries have a capacity ranging from 40Ah to 200Ah. Considering this, they can be used in a wide range of applications including renewable energy such as solar power and wind energy, higher-end vehicles such as BMW and Mercedes, sport vehicles like jet skis and boats, industrial machines such as forklifts and much more. They are also the preferred battery type for motorcycles such as Harley-Davidson. Besides producing no acid spillage during a potential accident on the road, AGM batteries lower the load of the bike due to being lightweight.

Limitations

As with all gelled and sealed batteries, AGM batteries are also sensitive to overcharging. While a charge of around 2.40V/cell is safe in most cases, it’s recommended to keep the charge between 2.25 and 2.30V/cell, especially during the summer. With that being said, you can not use your regular battery charger on AGM. Also, do not rely on an alternator to do the work of a charger.

AGM batteries are also considerably more expensive than flooded versions. However, their long lifespan means that they will eventually pay off.