Automotive battery

An automotive battery is a rechargeable battery that supplies electric energy to an automobile. Traditionally, this is called an SLI, for starting, lighting, ignition, and its main purpose is to start the engine. Once the engine is running, power for the car is supplied by the alternator. Typically, starting discharges less than three per cent of the battery capacity. SLI batteries are designed to release a high burst of current, measured in amperes, and then be quickly recharged. They are not designed for deep discharge, and a full discharge can reduce the battery's lifespan.

As well as starting the engine an SLI battery supplies the extra power necessary when the vehicle's electrical requirements exceeds the supply from the charging system. It is also a stabilizer, evening out potentially-damaging voltage spikes. While the engine is running, most of the power is provided by the alternator, which includes a voltage regulator to keep the output between 13.5 and 14.5 V.

Modern SLI batteries are lead-acid type and provide 12.6 volts of direct current, nominally 12 V. The battery is actually six cells connected serially.

Battery electric vehicles are powered by a high-voltage electric vehicle battery, but they usually have an automotive battery as well, so that it can be equipped with standard automotive accessories which are designed to run on 12 V.

Early cars did not have batteries, as their electrical systems were limited. A bell was used instead of an electric horn, headlights were gas-powered, and the engine was started with a crank. Car batteries became widely used around 1920 as cars became equipped with electric starters. The sealed battery, which did not require refilling, was invented in 1971.

The first starting and charging systems were designed to be 6-volt and positive-ground systems, with the vehicle's chassis directly connected to the positive battery terminal. Today, all vehicles have a negative ground system. The negative battery terminal is connected to the car's chassis.

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