Difference Between Regular Battery and Deep Cycle Batteries

Over time, all batteries degrade and eventually need replacement.

Now, for beginners, there are two common types of batteries used to power devices and vehicles: regular batteries and deep cycle batteries. They both serve different purposes, and thus, before you reach out to any battery replacement shop in Liverpool or Casula, you must understand the core difference between them to find the right fit for your application.

In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between the two and how to choose the best one to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

What is a Regular Battery?

A regular battery (aka starter battery) is designed to provide a quick and powerful surge of energy to start an engine.

Once the engine starts, the alternator takes over and keeps the battery charged. These batteries are most commonly found in cars, motorcycles and trucks. So, in a few words, a regular battery helps to crank the engine and get the vehicle moving.

Regular batteries are built with thin lead plates that help with quick energy releases and are perfect for short bursts of power but cannot work for sustained energy use. This means that they are good for machines that have other sources for continuous energy use and so do not rely solely on their batteries to work. They recharge quickly once the engine is running but are not built for deep discharge cycles, and draining them too low too often can cause permanent damage.

What is a Deep Cycle Battery?

Also known as a marine battery, a deep cycle battery is suitable for applications that require long-lasting, sustained power.

Unlike regular batteries that deliver short bursts of power to start an engine, a deep-cycle battery is designed to deliver steady energy output. These batteries have very thick inbuilt lead plates that allow them to be a prolonged and reliable energy source of power.

The lead component in this battery allows it to continuously dispense energy without degrading or wearing out fast. They can also be drained completely and even withstand hundreds or even thousands of charge and discharge cycles without necessarily causing damage.

Typically, they are used in marine applications, solar energy systems, and backup power storage, where consistent power delivery is essential. They cannot be used for machines that need very high energy surges to start. This means that if you need a car battery replacement, a deep cycle can’t be the best choice, but when looking for a boat battery replacement, then make sure to work with a deep cycle battery.

Regular Battery Vs Deep Cycle Batteries

Although both regular and deep cycle batteries serve the purpose of storing and supplying electrical energy, they are quite different. The following are a few features that differentiate them:

Power Delivery and Functionality

This is one important difference between both batteries that has been repeatedly echoed in this article.

A regular battery is primarily designed to deliver a short, high-energy burst to start an engine. Once the engine is running, the alternator takes over. They cannot provide energy for continuous use and cannot be used for every type of machine or energy use. They are best for automobiles that need high energy to start. These batteries can only start what they cannot finish.

A deep cycle battery, on the other hand, is built to supply steady, long-term energy over an extended period. Rather than delivering an intense burst of power, it provides a consistent electrical flow. A deep cycle battery may not be able to start a machine that requires high energy surges to start, but it can provide a continuous energy supply for hours or even days.

Internal Component

The content of these two types of batteries goes a long way in determining their performance.

Regular batteries have a thin lead plate that helps them to make rapid energy release. However, thin leads are susceptible to damage, so even though they are effective for quick engine starts, the battery is vulnerable to damage if deeply discharged repeatedly.

Deep cycle batteries, on the other hand, have dense material components and very thick lead plates. It is these materials that allow them to withstand consistent use without losing efficiency.

Discharge Depth and Life Cycle

You can’t afford to consistently use a regular battery till it goes off, or you’ll wear it out! Regular batteries should not be drained below 20–30% of their total capacity, while deep cycle batteries can be discharged up to 80% of their capacity without damaging their internal structure. They are designed to endure hundreds or even thousands of charge and discharge cycles.

Applications

Since the primary role of regular batteries is to start an engine, they work best with machines that have alternative sources of continuous energy. Regular batteries are found in cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and small engines with alternators that serve as alternative energy sources and recharge the battery immediately after use.

Deep energy batteries, on the other hand, are for applications that require long-term, reliable energy storage. They are commonly used in solar power systems, marine applications, RVs, golf carts, forklifts, and backup power supplies.

Cost and Long-Term Value

The cost and long-term value of each of these batteries highly depend on what they are used for.

Normally, regular batteries are cheaper than deep cycle batteries. However, if regular batteries are used in applications that require deep discharges, they’d wear out fast and need constant replacement, which would eventually lead to more cost.

Although deep cycle batteries have a higher cost price, they would eventually be more cost-effective if you need a battery to endure deep discharges. So, the cost difference and long-term value of both batteries are hinged on what they are used for.

How to Choose Between

Choosing the best battery for you depends solely on what you intend to use the batteries for. Do you need a new car battery? A truck battery replacement? Or a boat battery upgrade? You’d have to answer these questions first before deciding on what to buy.

If you need a battery for your car, truck, or any machine that needs quick, high-powered energy to start the engine, a regular starting battery is the best choice. However, if you need a battery for an RV, solar system, boat, or backup power storage, then you should go for a deep cycle battery.

Whatever battery needs you may have, all you need is to contact a trusted battery shop like Ozzy Power. At Ozzy Power, we understand that choosing the right battery is crucial for performance and longevity. We offer a range of premium-quality batteries for every application and to meet every battery need you may have.

So, if you need car battery replacement in Casula, Liverpool, Sydney or nearby NSW suburbs, visit Ozzy Power today and let our team help you find the perfect battery solution!