Deep cycle batteries are not often the car batteries we see every day, deep cycle batteries are designed to be used to provide constant power for long periods of time and to operate reliably, withstand deep discharges (up to about 80% or more of their total capacity), and can be recharged over and over again. And with the ability to be deeply discharged, they are commonly used with appliances in RVs and to keep solar systems working properly.

Car batteries, i.e. starter batteries, are mainly used to provide a large amount of current in a short period of time to start the vehicle’s starter, which will then be taken over by the generator after the vehicle is running normally.

Difference between deep cycle battery and car battery

1. Batteries with different plates

Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates than regular car batteries because deep cycle batteries need to store more energy and withstand deeper discharges. Ordinary automotive batteries have thinner plates, which allow them to deliver more power and withstand higher currents, but at the cost of less energy storage and shorter cycle life.

2. Uses Differences

Deep cycle batteries are not usually used in everyday vehicles, like cars and trucks. They are mainly used for various applications and equipment that require a stable supply for long periods of time, ideal for recreational vehicles, boats, golf carts, etc. Traditional automotive batteries, which are often seen in our daily lives, such as cars, SUVs, trucks, etc. are able to provide power for a short period of time to start the vehicle.

3. Size and weight Differences

Generally deep cycle batteries are smaller and lighter than normal batteries, especially lithium-ion deep cycle batteries are much lighter than traditional lead-acid automotive batteries, which is why deep cycle batteries can be widely used in recreational vehicles and golf carts.

4. Cycle life Differences

The cycle life of deep cycle batteries is about 2000 cycles, each cycle represents a complete discharge and recharge, while the cycle life of traditional automotive lead-acid batteries is about 200 cycles. Liquid-rich deep-cycle batteries have a service life of about 5 years, while lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries have a service life of about 10 years. The service life of ordinary automobile lead-acid batteries is about 6 years.

5. Discharge depth capacity Differences

Deep cycle batteries have a better discharge depth and can be put into a low power state, usually 20% to 80% of the battery capacity, and will not affect the performance and cycle life of the battery. In the case of lithium-ion deep cycle batteries, the discharge capacity can be up to two times that of traditional lead-acid batteries, so lithium-ion deep cycle batteries are very much used in applications where batteries are used for long periods of time, such as trolling motors or charts for fishing boats. Ordinary automotive batteries can only be discharged up to 50% of their capacity, or they will sulfate and harm the life of the battery.

6. Price Differences

Deep cycle batteries have different prices depending on the type, lithium-ion deep cycle batteries have the highest price, liquid-rich deep cycle lead-acid batteries and valve regulated deep cycle lead-acid batteries have a lower price, but the most economical and affordable is still the ordinary car battery. However, we should not only look at the price but also consider the overall situation when choosing a battery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Deep Cycle Batteries

Pros:

1. Provides stable discharge

Deep cycle batteries can provide stable power for long periods of time, making them ideal for applications that use batteries for long periods of time, such as off-grid solar systems, RVs, and homes.

2. Longer cycle life

Deep cycle batteries can be discharged and recharged multiple times, and they have a longer cycle life than ordinary lead-acid batteries, but for lithium-ion deep cycle batteries, the cycle life is the longest, which makes lithium-ion deep cycle batteries the best choice for frequent use battery applications.

3. Deep discharge capability

Deep cycle batteries can be discharged to a very low charge state. Lithium-ion deep cycle batteries have a deeper discharge capability and can provide more energy than ordinary lead-acid batteries.

4. High capacity

The capacity of lead-acid deep cycle batteries is higher than that of car batteries, and for lithium-ion deep cycle the capacity is higher, which can store more energy and is convenient for daily life use.

Disadvantages:

1. Higher cost

Lead-acid deep-cycle batteries are much more expensive than ordinary deep-cycle batteries, and lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries are even more expensive, but we can’t just look at the price when choosing a battery, we have to consider it comprehensively, and choose the battery that suits us best.

2. Low starting power

Deep cycle batteries have very low starting power, for lead acid deep cycle batteries, there is no starting power and they can’t be used to start a car. Deep cycle batteries are not suitable for high power applications.

Advantages and disadvantages of car batteries

Advantages:

1. High starting power

Automotive batteries can provide a high burst of power in a short period of time, and this burst of power can be used to start cars, trucks, or boats, for example.

2. Lower cost

Car batteries are cheaper to use than deep cycle batteries, which makes them more widely available for a number of applications.

3. Longer shelf life

Ordinary car batteries have a longer shelf life than lead-acid deep-cycle batteries and a lower shelf life than lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries, but all in all, car batteries are still more suitable for use in automobiles.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited discharge capacity

The discharge capacity of automotive batteries is limited, lead-acid batteries can only release less than 40% of the stored power in the battery, so they are not suitable for long-time use.

2. Lower capacity

Car batteries have a lower capacity than deep cycle batteries, so the amount of energy stored in a car battery is limited, making it less suitable for applications that require long periods of use and regular maintenance.

Which is better, deep cycle batteries or automotive batteries?

Each type of battery has different uses. There are separate industry measurements for each type of battery, and each type of battery has its own advantages that should be judged based on its use, not a direct judgment that one is better.

In summary

The difference between deep cycle batteries and car batteries is as above, when we pick a battery, we need to focus on our own needs, in accordance with the use of the battery we pick, the price, the service life, etc., choose the right battery.