When to Use What is an AGM battery?？

Driving today isn’t the same as it was in 1973.

• Touch screens in the dashboard.
• Auto-tightening seat belts.
• Remote starting.
• Starting your car with your phone.
• Backup cameras and collision warning sensors.
• Satellite radio, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
• Seat warmers. Wonderful seat warmers.
• Auto start stop engines that give you fuel efficiency better than 30-40 mpg by cutting the engine instead of letting it idle — and cranking it again whenever you want to get going.

All these technologies need electricity. Some need it when the engine’s off.

That need is an incredible burden that a standard car battery can’t handle. They used to fit the bill for cars because they can throw a lot of electricity into a starter in a short burst. The design hasn’t changed much since the lead-acid battery was invented in 1859, except for small tweaks and a durable, plastic case to protect the lead plates and contain the sulfuric acid and water.

A battery design from the 1800s can’t fully support today’s vehicles.

It takes a new generation of car batteries.

Enter the absorbed glass-mat (AGM) battery. AGM batteries are car batteries designed to deliver a lot of amps even when the engine is off. AGM batteries are also quickly becoming one of the most common batteries on the road.

More than half of new vehicles sold after 2019 require an AGM battery because of their electrical power needs. As of 2022, more than 50 million vehicles on the road require an AGM battery.

What’s an AGM battery and what makes it so different from a regular flooded car battery?

What is an AGM battery?What is an AGM battery?

AGM means absorbed glass mat, and it means the battery acid inside is absorbed into fiberglass mats instead of sitting as a free-flowing liquid.

The fiberglass mats spread more of the electrolyte in contact with the ultra-thin lead plates — all while cushioning the battery against knocks, bumps and vibrations. Because of the absorbent glass mats, battery makers can literally squeeze in more lead plates. More lead in the battery means more available power.

AGM batteries were originally developed in the 1970s for telephone boxes and computer rooms (yes, back when a computer took an entire room.) Their sealed design makes them nonspillable, making them ideal for onboard power in fighter planes, submarines and motorcycles. AGM batteries are the best car battery for vehicles with auto start stop engines because they can deliver deep power and still start a car engine.

Choose an Interstate AGM battery for long-lasting power.

Interstate AGM batteries are available on Amazon.

BUY AN INTERSTATE AGM BATTERY

AGM batteries are a kind of valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) battery, which is part of why AGM batteries last so long. VRLA batteries have a one-way valve regulating how much hydrogen and oxygen can escape when the battery recharges.

Normally, when a standard battery recharges, electricity splits the water in the electrolyte into hydrogen and oxygen, which mostly gets absorbed back into the electrolyte. The rest of the hydrogen and oxygen escapes through vents in the case, and the battery loses water. Water loss can kill a car battery, and that’s why you should occasionally refill your standard batteries with distilled water.

You don’t have to maintain VRLA batteries the same way. Their one-way valves keep the gases in the battery, effectively preventing water loss.

AGM batteries can outperform a regular car battery in almost every way because of their design.

What’s the difference? AGM vs Standard Batteries

AGM car batteries have unbeatable advantages over standard batteries. This might sound like marketing hype.

Instead, it’s just science.

Specifically, the fiberglass mesh mats. They are the GM in AGM batteries. Ultra-thin glass fibers soak up all the electrolyte (water and sulfuric acid) into thin pillows cushioning the lead plates. Instead of the free-flowing liquid inside of a regular car battery, an AGM battery carries its electrical charge in soaked sponges — and those mesh sponges are coating the lead plates.

The fiberglass mesh on the lead plates gives the electrical current a shorter, easier path to follow than in a regular battery with free-flowing liquid.

That’s called low internal resistance, and that’s how an AGM battery’s design that expand what car batteries can fundamentally do.

In power, speed, long life and durability, the AGM battery has standard batteries beat.

AGM batteries have more engine starts than standard batteries.

Generally, an AGM battery can start your engine more than 60,000 times. That’s more than three times the starts you’ll get out of a standard battery.

If you drive an auto start stop vehicle, you need those extra engine starts.

With a normal engine, you might start your car three or four times a day, assuming you drive to work and get a few errands done afterward.

An auto start stop car might need three or four starts on one morning drive, depending on how many traffic lights you hit. No matter how well you keep it charged, a regular car battery cannot keep up with an auto start stop engine.

Choose an Interstate AGM battery for long-lasting power.

Interstate AGM batteries are available on Amazon.

BUY AN INTERSTATE AGM BATTERY

Also, every time the engine cuts off, the AGM battery steps in to run your air conditioning, fuel sensor, transmission, radio and all the other electronics that keep your car running smoothly.

Even a car without auto start stop can strain its car battery because of all the electronics onboard. With collision sensors, fuel sensors and air conditioning to run, an alternator has fewer amps to give your car battery. Unless you’re traveling at highway speeds, recharging your car battery isn’t a priority for your alternator. In that case, a regular car battery might go for a while between recharges, and that’s not good for it.

On the other hand, an AGM battery can drain deeply and still crank engines.

AGM batteries make great deep cycle batteries.

Backup cameras, Bluetooth connections and other electronics will drain deep cycle AGM batteries in a way standard car batteries can’t handle. Standard lead-acid batteries used to fit the bill for cars because they can throw a lot of electricity into a starter in a short powerful burst. Then they need to recharge to 100% or else they start to die.

Draining a battery to 50% or so before recharging it is called deep cycling. Plain, flooded car batteries can’t deep cycle like AGM batteries. That’s why you might need to jump a car if you leave your headlights on for a couple hours with the engine off.

AGM batteries, on the other hand, can deliver a steady stream of amps and still give a big burst of power to start an engine. You can drain an AGM with all the electronics your car has and still expect it to crank the engine. The tight fiberglass mat design lets these batteries work well at partial discharge rates.

That’s why boat and RV owners use an AGM battery. It may be several hours before you get back to the dock, or tonight’s campground might not have a shore power hookup.

Go with AGM power for your RVs and Boats

We have dual purpose AGM batteries available at an Interstate All Battery Center near you.

FIND A LOCATION

RVs and boats tend to use two types of batteries: one for starting engines and motors and one to power their electronics. AGMs can do both. RVs and boats need power for fish finders, food storage, cooking equipment, sound and entertainment systems and more. Instead of carrying two batteries, one for starting and one for deep cycling, owners of RVs and boats sometimes turn to a deep cycle AGM battery that can also start motors.

AGM batteries recharge faster than regular batteries.

Fiberglass mesh mats soaked in electrolyte carry current faster than liquid electrolyte. Yes, that’s how AGM batteries can deliver big bursts of power even if they’re drained. It’s also how AGM batteries recharge faster than regular batteries. That low internal resistance means AGM batteries can give more amps and accept more amps when they recharge.

Standard batteries need more voltage than AGM batteries to recharge because regular batteries have higher internal resistance. To keep them from overheating, they can only take a few amps at a time at that high voltage.

This means AGM batteries need a special AGM charger. They can take a lot of amps in a short period of time — but an AGM battery charger must keep its voltage lower than 14 volts to avoid ruining the AGM battery. AGM batteries are 12 volts, like all car batteries, and can handle some higher voltage, but only up to a certain point. If a car alternator charges an AGM battery with a voltage higher than 15 volts, it can damage an AGM. It’s not likely, but voltage fluctuations are a possibility.

AGM batteries have special valves that protect their service lifespans.

AGM batteries also have valves regulating the hydrogen and oxygen allowed to escape during charging. They fall under a broader category of valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, also called maintenance free. If you’ve never thought much about maintaining your car battery, it might be thanks to this special one-way valve that essentially keeps evaporated water from leaving the battery case.

This little trick is one secret to an AGM’s long life.

The battery’s fundamental chemistry is still based on lead, sulfuric acid and water. When you draw power, the acid molecules move to the lead plates, leaving water and lead sulfate — and sending an electrical charge out of the positive post. Removing the sulfuric acid from the solution creates a chemical reaction between the paste on the plates. Recharging a battery works in reverse: Electricity goes in, making the liquid more acidic.

Ready to replace your AGM battery? Go with the pros.

Visit any place Interstate® is sold, and let the pros replace your battery with exactly what you need.

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However, there’s always a chance some water loss can happen when electricity splits H2O into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Losing those water molecules means the electrolyte stays more acidic than usual — cutting into the potential strength of the chemical reaction on the plates, and ultimately shortening the lifespan. The AGM’s valve stops those gases from leaving.

Except if you overcharge it. A regular battery charger can kill an AGM battery.

If you use a standard battery charger for an AGM battery, the high-voltage current must pass through anything it can. That means breaking up more water molecules and building up too much gas inside. Too much gas trips the safety valve. That releases some gas, reducing pressure. However, if you keep charging it with high voltage, too much gas and pressure will pop that valve out or break the case’s seal.

Without a seal to keep the water in, your AGM battery will dry out fast.

Only use AGM chargers on an AGM battery.

AGM batteries can resist damage from extreme temps and vibration.

The absorbed mats give AGM batteries a sponge-like resistance to vibrations. A regular car battery’s sensitive internal components can break apart if you shake it hard enough. Its lead plates are hanging from a sturdy metal in liquid. Even if you don’t break the plastic case, it’s common for car batteries to die if you rattle them hard enough.

What you might not expect is how the AGM battery’s fiberglass mats and special valve also protect its performance in extreme weather.

Heat weakens car batteries by evaporating the water out of them. The more fully charged a battery is, the more acidic its liquid, the harder it is for water to evaporate out of it.

However, an AGM battery’s fiberglass mesh keeps that water trapped because it’s packed so tightly to the lead plates. On top of that, the sealed design holds the water vapor in, and only if you overcharge it will a molecules of water vapor escape.

At the other end of the thermometer, the story is even better.

Cold suppresses a car battery’s performance, forcing a car battery to work twice as hard to generate cranking amps. Because the fiberglass mats are tightly packed on the lead plates, an AGM battery can generate a lot of amps without facing a lot of resistance. Even if the cold slows down chemical reactions, an AGM has amps to spare.

Get an Interstate AGM battery, available on Amazon

Trust the battery experts for the best battery available for your car.

ORDER AN AGM BATTERY

An AGM battery’s sealed, spillproof design allows them to pass the specific transportation regulations. You can ship them by air, deliver them by mail, etc. It might be odd to think of spilling a car battery, but you should understand that standard car batteries are not as durable as AA batteries. They’re more like a full cup of water with a sippy cup lid. If you turn it over, it spills or leaks. AGM batteries are more like sealed soda cans. You can transport them (gently, please), and they won’t spill.

Does My Car have an AGM? Does My Car Need an AGM?

If your car has an auto start stop engine, you might have an AGM battery. The most common vehicles with an AGM battery are recent model years of these cars:

• Ford F-150
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Nissan Altima
• Nissan Rogue Sport
• Toyota Corolla
• Chevrolet Malibu
• The BMW X3

Today, more than 50 million vehicles in the US require an AGM battery. Is yours one?

How do you know if your car has an AGM battery?

• You can look up your vehicle here to see which battery we recommend. If that battery’s an AGM, then yes, your ride requires an absorbed glass-mat battery.
• You can also pop the hood and look for AGM on the battery’s label. If your battery has raised vent caps, then it’s not an AGM. (If your battery has a valve, that’s not a guarantee it’s an AGM.)

If you also find yourself replacing batteries more often than 3-5 years, you may want to upgrade to an AGM battery. Be sure to consult with an automotive professional first.

Plenty of drivers still use a car battery that follows the same fundamental design from when French physicist Gaston Planté invented the lead-acid battery in 1860. That’s changing. More than 10% of all the cars on American roads today rely on an AGM battery. In fact, more than half of all new cars sold between 2020 and 2022 require an AGM battery. That’s more than 27 million vehicles. Essentially, car buyers doubled the number of AGM-reliant cars in three years.

Because drivers like technology, especially when it keeps them safe or saves gas costs.

Safety, reliability, comfort always mattered to drivers. Technology and new inventions merely expand how engineers and car companies express these values. The more electronics on cars, the broader and faster the adoption of AGM batteries.

How might tomorrow’s tech look in these cars? Auto-buckling seatbelts. DNA-coded locks. Touch screen windows. Engine parts using super-materials to avoid breaking or ever needing to be replaced. Maybe a flying-mode, too. The possibilities are endless.

As long as you have the right battery.

The usage of the AGM battery started as early as 1980s and was first applied to military aircraft. Over the years, with given advantages, the battery has found its ways in a wider range of applications and gained surprising success. It is now not only a hot choice for vehicles, but also in the field of solar energy storage, due to its unique design.

So what does agm battery mean and why choose AGM batteries? That can be answered by delving into what are AGM batteries.

Table of contents

What Is An AGM Battery?

To answer the question of “what is AGM battery?”, we’ll need to figure out “what does agm battery mean ” and “what does AGM stand for?”Abbreviated from Absorbent Glass Mat, AGM stands for a type of tried and tested battery technology. It uses a fiberglass mesh between the battery plates that holds the electrolyte in suspension and separates the positive and negative plates.

In short, AGM battery meaning a type of advanced lead-acid batteries.

How Do AGM Batteries Work?

This part involves a little bit of technical knowledge, but it does help understand how Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology influences the performance of a battery.

The AGM battery technology features a high discharge rate and a wide operation temperature range. The AGM battery meaning reliable, long-lasting, and highly efficient; due to the encased structure and the absorbent glass mat that contains the electrolyte.

The absorbent glass mat is also called AGM separator. Being ultra-thin, it is sandwiched between positive and negative lead plates, and saturated in the electrolyte. Besides, its most important function is soaking up the electrolyte and keeping the fluid in a motionless form. As a result, it maximizes the reaction surface between the electrolyte and the battery plates, which greatly enhances the charging and discharging efficiency. The encased structure also rends AGM batteries uniqueness in maintenance and transportation.

Pros and Cons of AGM Batteries?

The AGM technology and their solid structure make AGM batteries stand out from their counterparts - the  gel battery type as well as the flooded ones. In terms of cost and working performance, they excel easily. But when facing high voltage conditions, AGM batteries’ shortcoming will be exposed.

Pros:

1. Spill proof
2. Vibration resistant
3. Shock resistant
4. Withstand colder temperatures in contrast to a typical wet cell battery
5. Installed in any orientation.
6. Produce minimal gassing
7. Low self-discharge rate
8. Last longer than SLA batteries.
9. Require no maintenance

Cons:

1. Higher selling price due to complicated manufacturing process
2. Cannot handle overcharging and high voltages
3. Requires to be topped off before use every time
4. Requires a charger specifically designed for AGM batteries
5. Testing results from older version of battery testers will not be accurate.

How Long Does an AGM Battery Last?

For start-stop applications, AGM batteries can generally last six to eight years.

The durability for storage purposes depends on the operating temperature and the depth of discharge (DoD) - which refers to the available capacity of batteries when they are fully topped off. Another thing to consider that can affect the lifetime would be the battery performance, which can deteriorate over time.

 Data source: Lab test results of Renogy’s 12V 100Ah AGM Battery

Common AGM Battery Applications

Start-stop applications. With the ability to produce short intense burst of energy, AGM batteries are perfect for use of activating the engine in vehicles like cars, trucks or RVs.  

Deep-cycled applications. As deep-cycled batteries, AGM batteries can deliver a small amount of current stably and moderately to the appliances in any boat, truck, or car; allowing them to operate and run in any condition.

Solar energy storage applications. AGM batteries also offer a good choice for household solar energy storage. They can be connected in series for higher storage capacity.

AGM battery vs lithium & AGM battery vs standard battery

People who are not familiar with battery types might get confused about the differences between them, and they might encounter questions like:

• What's the Difference Between AGM and Regular Battery?
• Are AGM Batteries the Same as Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries?
• Are Flooded and Sealed Lead Acid Batteries the same?
• How is a Lithium Battery different from an AGM battery?

Before discovering the answers, we must understand that there are mainly four kinds of batteries on the market. Each of them was named after their unique battery technology.

• Flooded: the battery uses lead plates suspended in the electrolyte and large separators. The liquid flows freely inside the casing.
• AGM: a battery type using a fiberglass mat between the positive and negative lead plates to absorb and hold the battery’s acid - the liquid is hold still.
• Gel: a battery type keeping the electrolyte suspended in gel form, so the battery is spill-proof.
• Lithium Iron Phosphate: a type of battery that uses lithium iron phosphate

Technically, the four types of solar batteries can also be divided into two categories, the lead-acid and the lithium-iron phosphate. Among them, flooded lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries and gel batteries belong to lead-acid batteries.

So which type of batteries suit your needs best? When capacity is your first consideration and cost is the least thing to consider, lithium battery is surely your top choice.

This graph compares each type of batteries in capacity, service life, maintenance requirements, costs and their level of safety. From the graph, you will also find the answer for "does agm battery last longer?"

The data is estimated for references.

Are AGM Batteries Worth It?

It depends on your needs.

Vehicles usually use conventional flooded lead-acid batteries for starter applications. However, when it comes to an upgrade for the starter engine, AGM batteries offer a preferable choice. The AGM type comes with higher quality, longer lifespan and much less maintenance compared to regular batteries. Best of all, it does not cost much higher than flooded batteries.

On the other hand, when your need is a solar energy storage solution, it is recommended to go straight for lithium-ion batteries. Though they are costly, their quality, efficiency, and lifespan (several times more than other types of batteries) will prove them worthwhile in the long run. Lithium is the king of 12V batteries.

How do I know if my battery is AGM? 3 Steps

#1 Manufacturer’s labels shows such information

Battery type is usually instructed on the product labels on the body of a battery. If the label is illegible, you can also check its user manual for specifications, ask the online store or go to the store where you bought the battery.

#2 Observe the top of your battery

AGM batteries are specifically designed with negative and positive terminals that protrude from their flat top. If you find such terminals, you can be 99.99% certain your battery is an AGM battery.

#3 Slightly shake the battery

Highly not recommend to do this step, but since you still cannot identify your battery after going through the methods previously mentioned, this will be the ultimate choice you have to resort to.

Shake the battery, and if you feel any fluid inside flowing, then it is wet battery. But if you feel a relatively solid inside, it’s an AGM battery.

Q&A

Are AGM batteries deep cycle?

Most AGM batteries are deep cycle. An AGM battery can discharge up to 80%, while a standard flooded battery can only discharge maximally 50%. In comparison, AGM batteries are most welcomed among the deep cycle choices.

What type of batteries are best for solar power?

Deep-cycled batteries including flooded lead acid, AGM, gel, and lithium iron batteries are popular solar energy storage solutions. They are varying in terms of efficiency, maintenance requirements, charging time, service life, and most importantly, the cost. They cater to consumers’ needs across the board, so you can just pick one that fits your needs. The flooded lead acid types remain the most cost-efficient option, while sealed lead acid batteries features higher charging efficiency and energy capacity and yet comes with an presuming affordable price. Lithium iron batteries cost the most, but it’s the king in all facets. If you are looking for a high-capacity and yet portable battery storage solution, a solar station or  solar powered generator integrated with LiFePO4 batteries might be your best choice of the solar panel battery.

Can I wire different battery types and sizes together?

Using batteries of the same types and sizes for parallelism is most recommended. In this way, it can avoid efficiency loss to the utmost. If you need to wire your original AGM battery and other batteries together, make sure the latter are all AGM batteries.

How long does it take to charge a 12v 100ah AGM battery?

Factors like sunlight, temperature, and the particular battery can affect the charging time. If a 100ah 12V battery working alongside three 100 Watt solar panels, the charging time will be around 4 hours.

Are AGM Batteries Good for RVs and Boats?

RV and Boat owners often install two different types of batteries on their vehicles, one for the starting engine and the other for powering appliances on board. Thanks to higher voltage output, AGM batteries can implement both tasks perfectly.

Can You Charge an AGM Battery with a Regular Charger?

While a regular charger is used for conventional flooded lead acid batteries which require a charging status so different from AGM batteries; it is not suitable for topping off an AGM battery. For charging a 12 Volt AGM marine battery, a specific  battery charger is needed.

Takeaways

So now you know, "what is an AGM battery type?". And how to tell if a battery is AGM battery. If you are looking for an AGM battery for your car or solar panel system, Renogy has a variety of reliable options for you. On Renogy's online store, we have  agm batteries, gel batteries, and lithium iron phosphate batteries for sale. All are finely manufactured and strictly tested for guaranteed quality.

Read more:

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Solar Battery?

Buy Lithium Solar Batteries in 2022: How To Choose A LiFePO4 Battery

How does a 6 volt battery work?

Selecting the Right Battery for Your Solar Installation

How to size your battery bank to extend your solar batteries’ lifespan

Pros and Cons of AGM Batteries?

The AGM technology and their solid structure make AGM batteries stand out from their counterparts - the  gel battery type as well as the flooded ones. In terms of cost and working performance, they excel easily. But when facing high voltage conditions, AGM batteries’ shortcoming will be exposed.

Pros:

1. Spill proof
2. Vibration resistant
3. Shock resistant
4. Withstand colder temperatures in contrast to a typical wet cell battery
5. Installed in any orientation.
6. Produce minimal gassing
7. Low self-discharge rate
8. Last longer than SLA batteries.
9. Require no maintenance

Cons:

1. Higher selling price due to complicated manufacturing process
2. Cannot handle overcharging and high voltages
3. Requires to be topped off before use every time
4. Requires a charger specifically designed for AGM batteries
5. Testing results from older version of battery testers will not be accurate.

How Long Does an AGM Battery Last?

For start-stop applications, AGM batteries can generally last six to eight years.

The durability for storage purposes depends on the operating temperature and the depth of discharge (DoD) - which refers to the available capacity of batteries when they are fully topped off. Another thing to consider that can affect the lifetime would be the battery performance, which can deteriorate over time.

 Data source: Lab test results of Renogy’s 12V 100Ah AGM Battery

Common AGM Battery Applications

Start-stop applications. With the ability to produce short intense burst of energy, AGM batteries are perfect for use of activating the engine in vehicles like cars, trucks or RVs.  

Deep-cycled applications. As deep-cycled batteries, AGM batteries can deliver a small amount of current stably and moderately to the appliances in any boat, truck, or car; allowing them to operate and run in any condition.

Solar energy storage applications. AGM batteries also offer a good choice for household solar energy storage. They can be connected in series for higher storage capacity.

AGM battery vs lithium & AGM battery vs standard battery

People who are not familiar with battery types might get confused about the differences between them, and they might encounter questions like:

• What's the Difference Between AGM and Regular Battery?
• Are AGM Batteries the Same as Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries?
• Are Flooded and Sealed Lead Acid Batteries the same?
• How is a Lithium Battery different from an AGM battery?

Before discovering the answers, we must understand that there are mainly four kinds of batteries on the market. Each of them was named after their unique battery technology.

• Flooded: the battery uses lead plates suspended in the electrolyte and large separators. The liquid flows freely inside the casing.
• AGM: a battery type using a fiberglass mat between the positive and negative lead plates to absorb and hold the battery’s acid - the liquid is hold still.
• Gel: a battery type keeping the electrolyte suspended in gel form, so the battery is spill-proof.
• Lithium Iron Phosphate: a type of battery that uses lithium iron phosphate

Technically, the four types of solar batteries can also be divided into two categories, the lead-acid and the lithium-iron phosphate. Among them, flooded lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries and gel batteries belong to lead-acid batteries.

So which type of batteries suit your needs best? When capacity is your first consideration and cost is the least thing to consider, lithium battery is surely your top choice.

This graph compares each type of batteries in capacity, service life, maintenance requirements, costs and their level of safety. From the graph, you will also find the answer for "does agm battery last longer?"

The data is estimated for references.

Are AGM Batteries Worth It?

It depends on your needs.

Vehicles usually use conventional flooded lead-acid batteries for starter applications. However, when it comes to an upgrade for the starter engine, AGM batteries offer a preferable choice. The AGM type comes with higher quality, longer lifespan and much less maintenance compared to regular batteries. Best of all, it does not cost much higher than flooded batteries.

On the other hand, when your need is a solar energy storage solution, it is recommended to go straight for lithium-ion batteries. Though they are costly, their quality, efficiency, and lifespan (several times more than other types of batteries) will prove them worthwhile in the long run. Lithium is the king of 12V batteries.

How do I know if my battery is AGM? 3 Steps

#1 Manufacturer’s labels shows such information

Battery type is usually instructed on the product labels on the body of a battery. If the label is illegible, you can also check its user manual for specifications, ask the online store or go to the store where you bought the battery.

#2 Observe the top of your battery

AGM batteries are specifically designed with negative and positive terminals that protrude from their flat top. If you find such terminals, you can be 99.99% certain your battery is an AGM battery.

#3 Slightly shake the battery

Highly not recommend to do this step, but since you still cannot identify your battery after going through the methods previously mentioned, this will be the ultimate choice you have to resort to.

Shake the battery, and if you feel any fluid inside flowing, then it is wet battery. But if you feel a relatively solid inside, it’s an AGM battery.

Q&A

Are AGM batteries deep cycle?

Most AGM batteries are deep cycle. An AGM battery can discharge up to 80%, while a standard flooded battery can only discharge maximally 50%. In comparison, AGM batteries are most welcomed among the deep cycle choices.

What type of batteries are best for solar power?

Deep-cycled batteries including flooded lead acid, AGM, gel, and lithium iron batteries are popular solar energy storage solutions. They are varying in terms of efficiency, maintenance requirements, charging time, service life, and most importantly, the cost. They cater to consumers’ needs across the board, so you can just pick one that fits your needs. The flooded lead acid types remain the most cost-efficient option, while sealed lead acid batteries features higher charging efficiency and energy capacity and yet comes with an presuming affordable price. Lithium iron batteries cost the most, but it’s the king in all facets. If you are looking for a high-capacity and yet portable battery storage solution, a solar station or  solar powered generator integrated with LiFePO4 batteries might be your best choice of the solar panel battery.

Can I wire different battery types and sizes together?

Using batteries of the same types and sizes for parallelism is most recommended. In this way, it can avoid efficiency loss to the utmost. If you need to wire your original AGM battery and other batteries together, make sure the latter are all AGM batteries.

How long does it take to charge a 12v 100ah AGM battery?

Factors like sunlight, temperature, and the particular battery can affect the charging time. If a 100ah 12V battery working alongside three 100 Watt solar panels, the charging time will be around 4 hours.

Are AGM Batteries Good for RVs and Boats?

RV and Boat owners often install two different types of batteries on their vehicles, one for the starting engine and the other for powering appliances on board. Thanks to higher voltage output, AGM batteries can implement both tasks perfectly.

Can You Charge an AGM Battery with a Regular Charger?

While a regular charger is used for conventional flooded lead acid batteries which require a charging status so different from AGM batteries; it is not suitable for topping off an AGM battery. For charging a 12 Volt AGM marine battery, a specific  battery charger is needed.

Takeaways

So now you know, "what is an AGM battery type?". And how to tell if a battery is AGM battery. If you are looking for an AGM battery for your car or solar panel system, Renogy has a variety of reliable options for you. On Renogy's online store, we have  agm batteries, gel batteries, and lithium iron phosphate batteries for sale. All are finely manufactured and strictly tested for guaranteed quality.

Read more:

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Solar Battery?

Buy Lithium Solar Batteries in 2022: How To Choose A LiFePO4 Battery

How does a 6 volt battery work?

Selecting the Right Battery for Your Solar Installation

How to size your battery bank to extend your solar batteries’ lifespan

The company is the world’s best What is the difference between an AGM battery and other batteries? supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.