When you are looking to buy a car or to replace a car battery, the salesperson will tell you about liquid rich batteries versus AGM batteries. The fact that both liquid-rich batteries and AGM batteries are used in vehicles may mislead most people. They may think that the performance of these two types of batteries should be similar. In fact, there are a lot of differences between these two types of batteries. In this article, we will take you to understand the differences between liquid-rich batteries and AGM batteries.

1. Differences between liquid-rich batteries and AGM batteries
Differences in internal structure: the positive electrode of liquid-rich batteries is usually a polymer after the metal oxide, the negative electrode is usually carbon or lithium metal, and usually organic or inorganic substances containing lithium salts. General electrolyte to cover all the electrodes. AGM batteries use a new AGM technology, AGM batteries use pure sulfuric acid as the electrolyte, and most of the electrolyte adsorbed in the glass fiber membrane, and AGM batteries electrode plate is thicker than the liquid-rich batteries, AGM batteries spacer will also have a capillary effect.
Different uses: Liquid-rich batteries have high energy storage density and low operating costs for general vehicle power systems, vehicle backup power, etc. AGM batteries are particularly suitable for vehicles equipped with automatic start/stop systems and vehicles with more internal battery systems due to their excellent battery cycling performance and efficient charging.
Differences in installation locations: Liquid-rich batteries are generally installed near the engine compartment because of their purpose, while AGM batteries are generally installed in the trunk.
Vehicle type: Manufacturers primarily use liquid-rich batteries in large SUVs and sedans. AGM batteries are usually used in smaller cars.
Battery Performance Differences: Liquid-rich batteries start better at lower temperatures, while AGM batteries, on the contrary, perform better at higher temperatures. In addition, the lithium salt of liquid-rich batteries fully meets the requirements of automotive start-stop systems and improves the deep-cycle performance of liquid-rich batteries. the technology used in AGM batteries is considered to be the most advanced battery technology at present, with unique energy recovery performance.
Different operating temperatures: Liquid-rich batteries operate at temperatures ranging from -20℃ to 40℃. Liquid-rich batteries do not have large changes in battery performance due to changes in temperature, while AGM batteries operate at temperatures between 35°C and 45°C. When the temperature drops, the activity of AGM batteries will be affected, especially at temperatures below freezing.
Difference in service life: The service life of liquid-rich batteries is generally 2 to 3 years. Compared with liquid-rich batteries, AGM batteries because of the use of advanced AGM technology, the service life of AGM batteries is longer than that of liquid-rich batteries. Generally in 4 years, the specific service life of these two types of batteries, but also with the later battery use mode, battery maintenance. The cost difference: Liquid-rich batteries are more expensive than liquid-rich batteries,
Cost difference: liquid-rich batteries in the use of materials and manufacturing process requirements are not very strict, its cost is relatively low, generally in the $ 100 to $ 200 AGM batteries use AGM technology, this technology for AGM batteries to improve the stronger cold start ability and high current surge tolerance. So the cost of AGM batteries will also be a little higher, usually in the range of $200 to $300.
2. Which battery is better, liquid-rich battery or AGM battery?
AGM batteries are known for their higher charge acceptance and lower self-discharge rate, and their service life is also considered to be longer, and their construction makes them produce less waste during the manufacturing process, which makes them easy to recycle. It is therefore particularly suitable for vehicles that need to be parked for long periods of time or started frequently.
Although the service life of liquid-rich batteries is not as long as that of AGM batteries, the charging speed of liquid-rich batteries is fast and can be completed in a short period of time, and the price of liquid-rich batteries will be cheaper, and the liquid-rich batteries can work stably at high temperatures.
From the above, AGM batteries and liquid-rich batteries have their own merits. Both of them will have some disadvantages on top of the advantages. However, if you are choosing between these two types of batteries, you can actually choose to buy lithium iron phosphate batteries, although the technology used is not the most advanced, it has the advantages of these two types of batteries are not. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries have a longer lifespan than these two types of batteries, and their capacity is constant even if they are not used for a long time.
Conclusion:
There are many major differences between liquid-rich batteries and AGM batteries, such as battery performance, service life, operating temperature and so on. You can choose them according to your specific situation. But if these two batteries can not meet your requirements, you can choose to buy lithium iron phosphate battery, which is better than these two batteries in all aspects.
FAQ
Yes, AGM batteries are 100% sealed and do not produce gas when working, while the probability of explosion is very small. Although liquid-rich batteries can work in higher temperatures, liquid-rich batteries are not sealed and are not as safe as AGM batteries.
Yes, AGM batteries are maintenance free because most of the electrolyte in AGM batteries is in the fiberglass membrane, so the electrolyte basically won’t decrease. This also means that AGM batteries do not have to have their electrolyte checked regularly.