There are a few types of automotive batteries and will start out with the standard car battery; the standard car battery is designed with a lead-acid framework. Lead electrodes are infused with sulfuric acid in order to generate an electric current and will normally contain a series of six cells, delivering a 12 volt current.

Each cell provides 2.1 volts and the overall delivery is 12.6 volts (the number is rounded down for ease of explanation at point of sale).

Cars will generally use a single battery; larger vehicles, such as heavy trucks, tractors, etc., may require two to create a 24 volt in order to provide higher current; this is because larger vehicles (engines) require more power to start.​

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Sealed Container Batteries

There are also batteries that are in a sealed container known as Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA).  Unlike the standard lead battery, VLRA batteries cannot be checked for electrolyte levels and topped up. However, as they are also unable to leak fluids, many recommend this type of battery as a “low maintenance” option.

It is worth noting that these types of batteries have their critics, too. Many people think that because the battery cannot be serviced, VLRA batteries do not offer value for money. A sealed container battery is more likely to need replacing compared with ordinary “open” batteries - this is why they are not as common as may be expected.

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​Other Battery Types

There are also other batteries that work on other principles, such as lithium-ion batteries. These are not usually used as they are much more expensive. They tend to be found in super cars (such as Porsche vehicles) because their low weight offers additional speed advantages.

Lithium-ion batteries are more commonly found in lightweight electronic equipment so that their superior weight advantages can be used in a more cost-effective manner. Mobile phones, cameras, and laptops are the main beneficiaries of the technology.