The Automotive Battery

Battery state of charge test.

The automotive battery has several important functions. It provides a current of over 100 amps to operate the starter motor and power engine systems during cranking and starting.

Automotive charging system.

Once the engine starts, the charging system provides electrical power to all systems and accessories. It also charges the battery, keeping its vital surface charge for quick or emergency starting.

Automotive battery cutaway.

Batteries have six 2.1 volt cells connected in series, providing 12.6 to 12.7 volts total. Due to the nature of their design, they act as capacitors for the charging and electrical system. The battery smoothes ripple or A/C current caused by the alternator. An older, worn-out battery provides not only less voltage but also less capacitance.