Is a New Battery Fully Charged?
1 Answers
A new car battery is not fully charged. Generally, new batteries come with some charge from the factory, but it is not full, so they require charging. However, they can also be used directly without charging. But if the new battery has been stored for a while, it will naturally discharge over time, even if unused, leading to potential insufficient charge. In such cases, charging is necessary. The first charge of a battery significantly impacts its lifespan and charge capacity. Insufficient charging will result in lower charge capacity and reduced lifespan, while overcharging, though improving electrical performance, will also shorten the battery's lifespan. Therefore, it is crucial to manage the first charging time for a new battery properly. Notes: The first charge of a battery is called the initial charge, which greatly affects its lifespan and charge capacity. Insufficient charging leads to lower charge capacity and a shorter lifespan, while overcharging, despite improving electrical performance, also reduces the battery's lifespan. Hence, the initial charging of a new battery must be handled with care. For conventional batteries, the initial charge must follow the charging specifications before use. For dry-charged lead-acid batteries, as per the user manual, if used within the specified two-year storage period, they only require the addition of electrolyte with the specified density and a 15-minute stand time before use, without needing charging. If the storage period exceeds two years, partial oxidation may occur on the plates. To enhance charge capacity, a supplementary charge is recommended before use, followed by 5 to 8 hours of charging.