Posted on 2/20/2025

We are reaching the end of winter, and though it's been fairly reasonable, there have been some very cold days this year. With that, our shop has seen its fair amount of charging system issues and questions. A couple that we get often, with all the new electric and hybrid vehicles, are: What is the difference between a lead battery and a lithium battery? Can I switch the type of battery I'm using now? Are there other types of batteries? What kind of battery does a new car have? Here, we'll take a brief look at each question: What is the difference between lead and lithium batteries? This question ends up being both simple and then slightly complicated to answer. Essentially, lithium-ion batteries charge faster, are lighter, last longer, and store more energy than typical lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries have a higher cost overall than lead-acid batteries, but, as stated, hold more charge and have a longer life. That being said, lithium batteries have a very strenuo ... read more