Are Car Batteries Lead-Acid or Lithium Batteries?

[OBrady]

Car batteries are lead-acid batteries. Additional information: 1. Battery: The battery is an essential part of a car and can be divided into traditional lead-acid batteries and maintenance-free batteries. Since lead-calcium alloy is used for the grid frame in these batteries, the amount of water decomposition during charging is reduced, and water evaporation is also lower. Additionally, the sealed structure of the casing minimizes the release of sulfuric acid gas. Compared to traditional batteries, they offer advantages such as not requiring any liquid addition, easy connection to terminal posts, and long power storage duration. 2. Lithium Batteries: Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries have weaker performance in low temperatures and under high current, which is absolutely unfavorable for starting power. Lead-acid batteries perform better in harsh environments, whereas lithium batteries struggle in low-temperature regions. Besides low temperatures, exposure to extreme heat in summer, with engine compartment temperatures reaching 60-70 degrees Celsius, can easily render lithium batteries unusable. In terms of high current performance, the instantaneous current during car startup mostly exceeds 200A, and the performance of lithium batteries rapidly declines under high discharge rates.

[OEdward]

I've been driving for thirty years, and car batteries are typically lead-acid batteries, especially in gasoline and diesel vehicles. Lead-acid batteries are affordable and reliable, making them suitable for the high current demands during engine startup. Lithium batteries are lightweight and efficient but are primarily used in electric vehicles and high-end hybrids. Why are lead-acid batteries so popular? They are resistant to both cold and heat, and won't easily freeze in winter. I remember one time when my battery aged, and after replacing it with a new lead-acid one, the strong startup performance was restored. Maintenance is simple—just check the water level and keep the electrodes clean to avoid corrosion. Lead-acid batteries are also recyclable, making them environmentally friendly. In comparison, lithium batteries are more expensive and require protection circuits to prevent overcharging. Lithium batteries may become more common in the future, but for now, lead-acid remains the mainstream choice for regular car batteries. When choosing, just follow the manual's recommendations.

[StCody]

As someone who has studied batteries, I believe that most automotive starting batteries are lead-acid batteries, where lead and dilute sulfuric acid react to provide power, offering stability and safety suitable for the high instantaneous current required during startup. Lithium batteries, such as lithium-ion types, have high energy density and are lightweight, but they are more commonly found in pure electric vehicles. The advantages of lead-acid batteries lie in their low cost, strong durability, and adaptability to various temperature environments. Lithium batteries require advanced management systems to prevent thermal runaway and are much more expensive. In terms of maintenance, lead-acid batteries are easier to handle, such as adding water or replacing electrode caps to extend their lifespan. In practical driving, lead-acid batteries have low self-discharge and can remain unused for weeks without issues, whereas lithium batteries require regular charging. While the technological trend is moving toward lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries still dominate in the starting role due to their affordability and safety.

[LeAnthony]

I just bought a car and am learning about car knowledge. The battery is of the lead-acid type, and my friend said most family cars use it. Lead-acid batteries are cheap and easy to replace, costing just a few hundred yuan, while lithium batteries are more expensive and used in electric vehicles. Why choose lead-acid for starting batteries? Because they can output high current reliably. Lithium batteries are lighter but less needed for starting. Daily maintenance is simple—just keep it fully charged to avoid leakage, and replacement is convenient, as any ordinary shop can do it. The future might bring changes, but lead-acid is the current standard.