What are the Pros and Cons of a Gel Battery?

If you’ve ever shopped for a battery, you know 1) there’s a ton, and 2) they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Gel mat batteries are no different. Understanding the pros and cons of a gel battery is the best first step in determining if this type of battery is right for you.

Here is the content list:

l  What Is A Gel battery?

• How Does It Work?

• The Pros

• The Cons

What Is A Gel battery?

Before you can determine the pros and cons of a gel battery and how they will affect you, it’s important to understand what exactly a gel battery is. A gel battery is very similar to a traditional lead-acid battery with the addition of silica to the electrolyte to create the gel-like substance.

This thickening of the electrolyte means that gel batteries can be installed in a variety of positions and don't emit as many fumes.

How Does It Work?

A gel battery (often referred to as a gel cell battery) is a lead-acid battery that is valve regulated. When the electrolyte is mixed with sulphonic acid and silica, it becomes a relatively stationary gel substance.

This gel mixture allows the battery to utilize the acid and electrolyte in the same way it would with a traditional lead-acid battery, just without the added maintenance.

The Pros

– Maintenance Free: Because the batteries are comprised of gel instead of liquid, there is little to no maintenance to keep the battery working properly.

– No Leaks: Even though wet cell batteries are sealed in a plastic encasement there is still the chance that they will leak. Gel batteries are also sealed but with a valve that removes excess pressure. This means that between the gel substance and the removal of pressure, there is nowhere for the mixture to go.

– Install Them Anywhere: Gel batteries have the advantage of being able to be used in virtually any position because they don't leak and are generally maintenance-free. This greatly increases the number of applications gel batteries can be used for.

The Cons

– The Price: While the benefits of a gel battery are pretty hefty, so is the price tag. Many people looking to switch from wet cells to gel batteries see this as the biggest drawback.

– Charging Challenged: When charging your gel battery, you’ll want to plan on giving it extra time. Slow charging cycles are pretty common with these batteries, but you can’t walk away and leave them. Because it’s a gel instead of a liquid you’ll need to take it off the charger as soon as it’s complete. To leave it on could cause voids with the electrolyte which is irreversible damage.

– Heat Control: This is truly a drawback with most batteries and gel cell batteries are no exception. Heat is one of the fastest ways to cut the lifespan of your battery short. By controlling the battery's exposure to heat, you can lengthen the life cycle and keep your battery running like new.

Champion Power Tech Co., has developed a variety of different gel batteries. If you are in the gel batteries business, you can consider using our cost-effective products.