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What Is an AGM Battery?

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What Is an AGM Battery?

What does agm battery mean? At its core, an AGM is still a lead-acid battery. AGM stands for absorbent glass mat, which refers to the technology these devices use to create power. This fiberglass mat sits between the positive and negative lead plates of your battery. Then, as the name suggests, it absorbs and holds the battery acid. That way, it doesn’t freely flow around the battery.

 

Less Maintenance Than Flooded Lead-Acid

You must open up flooded lead-acid batteries to top off their fluids periodically to maintain the correct balance of electrolytes and water. Without this necessary maintenance, your batteries won’t operate as efficiently as possible and eventually become damaged. There’s no similar requirement for AGM batteries, as they’re sealed by design. This means they’re virtually maintenance-free.

 

Can Install Non-Vented

You can also install an AGM battery in a non-vented way. You often must vent traditional batteries, as they release gases as part of their normal operation. These can build up with corrosive or even potentially explosive consequences without proper ventilation. This lack of venting requirements means more flexibility for you in installation.

 

Can Install in Different Positions

The installation benefits of an AGM battery go far beyond helping with venting. While you must install traditional flooded lead-acid batteries right-side-up to prevent fluid leaks, AGM batteries have no such restrictions because they’re sealed. That means you can install them upside down, on their side, or in any other position without significant effect on battery operation. In a crowded engine compartment or small RV battery space, this can be incredibly helpful in freeing up additional space.

 

Drawbacks of AGM Batteries VS Flooded Lead Acid

While AGM batteries have many benefits, their main drawback is cost.

 

AGM batteries tend to cost quite a bit more than flooded lead-acid. This price differential may be worth it if you are using it for the correct application. As a starting battery, this could be very beneficial, but for energy storage, the price increase compared to their performance is not worth it.

 

In the below video, Mortons on the Move test AGM batteries against flooded lead-acid and lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries. The results show that AGM is not worth its price for storage applications.

 

AGM Batteries vs. Lithium Batteries

While AGM batteries have some significant advantages over typical flooded lead-acid batteries, they don’t compare at all to Lithium-Ion Batteries in storage applications. Lithium batteries have some major upsides compared to all lead-acid batteries. They’re a favorite for their lower weight and higher energy efficiency, the ability to fully discharge them, better operation in extreme temperatures, and longer life overall.

 

The only application where an AGM battery will currently outperform lithium is in engine starting applications. They are good at providing huge amounts of current for short periods of time as long as they are recharged immediately.

 

Are AGM Batteries Worth It?

When considering upgrades to your vehicle, your battery may not always be top of mind. But an AGM battery can provide significant advantages to just about anyone who currently uses a traditional flooded lead-acid battery.

 

On the other hand, if you are looking to upgrade a storage application, you will want to skip the AGM battery and go straight to the lithium upgrade. In the long run, it’ll be cheaper and much less of a hassle, after all.


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