How Much Does A Car Battery Weigh? What You Need To Know
You can't really know the weight of a car battery until you lift one. When this happens, it's not unusual to wonder how much does a car battery weigh. If this is you, then you've come to the right place.
Every car has a different battery weight (especially cheap electric vehicles). This is because the car battery weight directly correlates with the power output needed to run the car efficiently. For this reason, some car batteries will weigh 25 pounds, while others will be as heavy as 50 pounds. That said, the average car battery weight is about 40 pounds.
In addition to looking at the weight of a car battery, this article will look at why car batteries are heavy, the different types of battery weights, and how to determine the weight of your car battery. So, keep reading to learn more about car batteries.
Car Battery Weight Chart
Before we get into each section in detail, the car battery weight chart below shows popular car models and their battery weights.
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Why Are Car Batteries Heavy?
Ideally, car batteries are heavy because of the material they're made of. Another reason explaining the weight of your car battery is the specific power output needed to run the car efficiently.
For this reason, it's important to know your car battery's weight since replacing it with the wrong battery size will affect the power output and the overall performance. Additionally, the type, size and brand of a battery will differentiate it from another. This explains why the average battery weight is 40 pounds while a Tesla battery weighs about 1200 pounds.
Relationship Between Battery Types and Weights
As mentioned above, the battery weight will vary depending on what it's made of. Below are different battery materials and how they affect the overall battery weight.
i). Lead-Acid Battery
Lead-acid batteries have a lead and water-based electrolyte solution in the casing. While this makes the battery very heavy, lead-acid batteries provide the best power source for cars. In addition, this makes them popular and why they're used in most cars.
Lead-acid batteries are very low maintenance. Unfortunately, they are difficult to service hence need to be replaced as soon as they break. When it comes to weight, a car with a lead-acid battery will weigh anywhere between 38 and 50 pounds, depending on other factors.
ii). Lithium-Ion Battery
You will find lithium-ion batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles. These batteries are lighter than the lead-acid alternatives. In addition, they are more efficient, store a lot more power(charge) and last longer.
Lithium-ion batteries, also known as Li-ion, are quite expensive compared to the standard battery cost. They are also prone to certain safety issues, especially during low temperatures.
iii). LiFePO4 Batteries
Like other Lithium batteries, this type lasts longer than a Lead-acid battery. It is also an efficient and super lightweight battery compared to the standard car battery. However, on the downside, LiFePO4 batteries are very expensive.
iv). SLI Batteries
Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) batteries are also quite popular and easy to find in most vehicles. These car batteries weigh heavier than the standard batteries and provide general power with ease.
v). Enhanced Flooded Battery
Enhanced Flooded Batteries(EFB) offer better performance and a longer lifespan than SLI batteries. These batteries have also started replacing SLI ones in most cars. In addition, they weigh lighter than the SLI batteries.
vi). AGM
Lastly, we have the AGM car batteries. The Absorbent Glass Mat batteries are designed for use in cars with high battery demand. They are similar to the SLI batteries, only with a longer lifespan and better performance.
Types of Battery Weight
Familiarizing yourself with the different types of battery weight will come in handy when you want to determine your car's battery weight.
1. Lightweight Batteries
These batteries are great for energy-saving while providing high performance. These car batteries weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, making them perfect for small cars. However, lightweight batteries can be too light for certain cars.
2. Standard Batteries
Standard car batteries weigh around 40-60 pounds. Therefore, you will find them in most cars. However, your specific car model will determine the battery weight as some need a 40-pound battery and others require a heavier one.
3. Empty Batteries
Empty batteries contain zero lead-acid or lithium-ion components. As a result, empty heavy or standard car batteries weigh about 15 pounds. Conversely, a lightweight car battery weighs about 7 pounds when empty.
How To Determine the Weight of A Car Battery
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1. Check the Packaging or Label
The easiest way to check car battery weights is to look at the label or packaging. Most manufacturers will include this information there, making it easier for you when you want to replace your current battery.
You can look at the user's manual if the weight information is not included in the battery label. However, you ought to keep in mind that it's the battery's contents and not the body determining its weight. This means that the battery will weigh significantly less if its contents(fluid) are depleted.
2. Check the Size of the Battery
Another way to determine how much your car battery weighs is to look at its size. You can check your battery's BCI group against the standard chart above to determine its weight.
A bigger-sized battery often equates to a heavy-sized battery. This is especially true with an electric car battery. Generally, a bigger-sized battery will mean a heavy battery.
Lastly, consider the battery size in terms of age. A new battery weighs more than an old battery. Similarly, a dead battery's weight will be less than a new one.
What Is the Weight of A Battery?
Generally, the weight of a car battery depends on its contents or capacity. Therefore, it's recommended to regularly weigh your battery taking into account the plastic case, the ground of the full electrolyte and the lead plates and terminals.
You will also find certain vehicles with heavier batteries, like trucks and vans. Some cars will also have two batteries instead of one. In addition, you will find manufacturers using larger batteries like in electric vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a car battery cost?
The cost of replacing a car battery will depend on its quality and whether or not you will install it on your own or buy from an auto parts store offering free installation. Other factors likely to affect the cost of a battery include the model, brand and type.
Generally, a standard lead-acid battery will cost you anywhere between $50 and $100, while a premium lead-acid battery will cost up to $200. In addition, it's not surprising to find some lithium-ion batteries costing $1700.
2. How long does a car battery last?
On average, a battery can last 4-6 years. However, this is dependent on things like the car you drive, weather conditions and your driving habits. That said, proper care and maintenance, along with responsible driving, can extend the lifespan of your battery.
3. What are the signs you need a new battery?
Age is an important consideration when replacing your battery. Any battery older than 5 years needs to be replaced. However, if yours has not lasted that long, below are signs that you need to get it replaced anyway.
- Rotten egg smell
- Slow start
- Swollen battery
- The battery indicator on the dashboard is always on
- Low liquid levels
- Dim headlights
- Clicking sound when you turn the key
4. What's the function of a car battery?
Arguably, the battery is one of the most important parts of a car. Other than starting your car, other important battery functions include:
- Storing power for your car
- Providing energy to start the engine
- Delivering electricity to the ignition system
- Working with the alternator to power electronic processes
- Regulating voltage
5. Why is a car battery so heavy?
Car batteries are heavy depending on the type of car engine and the size. Ideally, if a battery has more internal contents and a larger capability, it will be heavy when you lift it. Additionally, the size of the car will determine the weight. For example, heavy-duty vehicles will have heavier batteries than other cars.
6. How much will an 8V battery weigh?
The weight of an 8V battery will depend on its size and model. For example, an 8V Trojan 160 battery will weigh about 76 pounds, while a Trojan DC battery with the same voltage weighs about 61 pounds.
Conclusion
It's important to know car battery weights and why different cars have different batteries. In turn, this information is helpful when replacing your old battery with a new one. Although other factors will come to play when choosing a new battery, knowing how much your car's battery weighs is a good place to start.
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