The difference between a car battery and deep cycle batteries

Car batteries and deep cycle batteries—you may have heard these terms tossed around, and it’s understandable to think they’d be pretty much the same thing, right? But these two types of batteries are actually very different from each other.

In this blog we’ll take a look at the difference between a deep cycle and car battery, so buckle up as we navigate through the power-packed world of batteries that keep our vehicles charged and ready.

What are deep cycle batteries?

A deep cycle battery operates silently, producing a consistent level of power over an extended period—sufficient to power a vehicle without a motor.

Unlike regular lead-acid car batteries, deep cycle batteries are designed to be fully discharged and then fully recharged repeatedly. The power output stays consistent meaning no dimmed lights or slowed functionality even as the battery edges towards being empty, so they are ideal when you need energy over a long period of time, like for camping or running a boat. You also have the benefit of charging them via solar panels or simply connecting to a charger that’s plugged into a power-point.

So what is a deep cycle car battery, and how is it related to your car? Well the most common deep cycle car batteries are hybrid batteries—these function as both a regular car battery, starting the petrol engine, as well as giving your hybrid the ongoing power needed to operate as an electric car.

Is a car battery deep cycle?

No, a regular car battery is not a deep cycle. Like a sprinter in a relay race, your car battery is designed for delivering a powerful but short burst of energy to get the engine roaring, then as you drive the alternator replaces the charge. A deep cycle battery is more like a marathon runner, setting its pace for the long haul.

There are a number of different car battery types such as Flood Cell Batteries for older style cars, Enhanced Flooded Batteries for standard cars, and Calcium Batteries which last longer in weather extremes. There’s also Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, which are great for power-demanding vehicles such as those with a lot of accessories. And then there’s Lithium-Ion Batteries for hybrid or electric vehicles, which is where deep cycle makes an appearance.

Types of deep cycle batteries

Deep cycle batteries are lead-acid batteries, and they generally fall into two distinct groups; there’s the flooded (FLA) deep cycle car battery, and then there’s valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA). To make it just that little bit more complicated, these VRLA batteries are then split into two subtypes - Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel. Who knew there was so much to batteries?

How long do deep cycle batteries last vs car batteries?

Deep cycle batteries have some serious staying power, lasting around 2,000 cycles of full discharge and recharge. Car batteries, on the other hand, only last around 200 cycles. As to overall lifespan, whilst this is dependent on a number of factors such as frequent stop-start driving, extreme weather exposure, and the number of accessories being powered (just to name a few), deep cycle batteries clock in at 3-6 years, which is similar to car batteries at around 3-5 years.

Average deep cycle batteries prices vs car batteries

The price of a car battery will depend on your specific vehicle's needs, with the cost starting from $129 - $150 for a basic battery, and anywhere between $175 up to $450 for a premium battery. The average cost of a deep-cycle battery can range between $200 to $3,000 depending on the size, model, and brand of the battery, so you’ll need to look at your owner’s manual or ask a mycar battery expert if you’d like a specific price.

What are deep cycle batteries used for?

The most common places you’ll see deep cycle batteries used are for boats, recreational vehicles (like caravans and golf carts), solar power systems, electric bikes, and of course electric vehicles. It’s important to note that deep cycle batteries aren’t generally recommended for use in regular cars.

Can I use a deep cycle battery for my car?

You should never use a deep cycle battery as a replacement for a regular car battery, as using a deep cycle battery in a car could cause extensive damage to your cars electrical system. They should only be used for vehicles that have been specifically designed for using deep cycle batteries, such as electric or hybrid cars.

Can I use a deep cycle battery to jump start my car?

It’s not recommended to jump start a car with a deep cycle battery. Deep cycle batteries are designed to deliver low currents of electricity over a long period of time, whereas starting a car needs high current in a short burst. Using a deep cycle battery to jump start your car could cause irreparable damage, so it’s best not to try it. If your battery is a hybrid battery though—which means it’s dual-purpose with both a starter and a deep cycle—it’s generally okay to use it to jump start your car.

So, there you have it—the low down on how to tell car batteries and deep cycle batteries apart. And remember, if you're in need of a reliable car battery, whether your ride is a regular car, a hybrid or an EV, mycar has you covered for all your battery needs!