​What’s the Difference between Start Stop Car Batteries & Normal Batteries?
August 05 2023

What are start stop car batteries?

The start stop car batteries work by automatically turning off the engine when the vehicle is suspended to save fuel, for example, when the vehicle stops at a red traffic light.


Ordinary car batteries only provide current to the starter to make it display, while modern start stop car batteries can discharge and charge many times. This means that even if the engine is stopped and the battery is idle, the start stop car batteries still supplies power to the auxiliary systems (lights, air conditioning and music). There is also a braking regeneration system, which stores energy during braking so that it can be used repeatedly in the future.

 

Automotive agm start-stop battery 

Automotive agm start-stop battery

There are two sorts of start stop car batteries- EFB and AGM

EFB battery – enhanced cycle pad battery is designed to meet the needs of ordinary start and stop vehicles, so that it can benefit from performance improvement and extended battery life, so as to meet higher cycle requirements. EFB battery can reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by 6%, compared with “ordinary car battery”, EFB battery can also increase the efficiency of 6% in terms of fuel consumption. The EFB battery will affect the higher power load of the auxiliary system, even if the car has been suspended.


EFB battery needs to be replaced with another EFB battery or your other standby start stop car batteries. AGM car battery ordinary car battery cannot be used to exchange start stop car batteries.

AGM battery – absorbent glass mat automotive battery is for larger, more demanding start stop vehicles, with more complex built-in technology than standard entry-level vehicles. All this is to reduce fuel consumption. In general, the fuel efficiency of AGM battery is increased by 8%, and the carbon dioxide emission is reduced by 8%.


Similar to EFB batteries, AGM batteries must be replaced with similar batteries.


Here are the key differences between start-stop car batteries and normal car batteries:

 

1. Construction:

Start-stop car batteries use AGM technology, which involves a special construction where the electrolyte is absorbed in fiberglass mats. This design helps to provide better cycling capabilities and vibration resistance compared to conventional flooded batteries.

 

2. Cycle Life: 

Start-stop car batteries are built to handle frequent engine starts and stops, offering a higher cycle life compared to normal batteries. They are designed to withstand multiple deep discharge and recharge cycles without experiencing significant degradation in performance.

 

3. Power Output: 

Start-stop batteries are designed to deliver high power output, as they need to handle the demands of restarting the engine frequently. They typically have higher cold cranking amps (CCA) ratings, which measure a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures.

 

4. Enhanced Durability: 

Start-stop batteries are engineered to withstand the demands of the start-stop system, which can put additional strain on the battery. They are designed to handle the higher electrical loads, vibration, and temperature variations associated with frequent engine starts and stops.

 

5. Advanced Battery Management: 

Vehicles equipped with start-stop technology often have sophisticated battery management systems that monitor the battery's state of charge, voltage, and temperature. These systems optimize charging and discharging processes to ensure the battery remains in good condition and provide reliable performance.

 

6. Cost: 

Start-stop car batteries are generally more expensive than normal car batteries due to their advanced construction and technology. However, the higher price is offset by their longer lifespan and durability.

 

It's important to note that start-stop car batteries are specifically designed for vehicles with start-stop technology. Using a regular battery in a start-stop vehicle may lead to reduced performance, shorter lifespan, and potential compatibility issues with the vehicle's electrical system. Therefore, it's recommended to use the battery type specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

 

Three advantages of AGM batteries

 

Excellent cold-start characteristics:

Automotive start-stop battery has a large cold start current. They powerfully start the starting motor and reduce its running time. Due to the cycle stability of AGM battery, the engine can be shut down and restarted several times in a short time without any difficulty during restart.

Balanced state of charge:

In modern vehicles, AGM battery is not only charged by generator, but also powered by braking energy recovery system. A normal starter battery must remain permanently charged and therefore cannot absorb the energy generated by recovery. The AGM battery can operate in the partial charging range, so it provides enough “extra” capacity to store the energy generated during braking.

High reserve capacity:

High reserve capacity ensures the power supply of various electrical components. The cycle stability of AGM technology ensures the power supply of components, and also provides high starting power. Even if the battery is not fully charged, for example, an electronic assistant and a consumer are provided to ensure comfort during parking, or the generator has been temporarily decoupled to reduce the load on the engine.

 

If you want to know more information about AGM battery, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.