What type of battery is commonly used in modern vehicles?

The commonly used battery in modern vehicles is the lead-acid battery. This type of battery has been the standard for many years due to its established technology, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Lead-acid batteries are specifically designed to deliver high burst currents, which is essential for starting an engine. They are also capable of being recharged multiple times, which fits well with the frequent demands of a vehicle’s electrical system.

In addition to starting the engine, these batteries also support various vehicle electrical systems while the engine is running and during engine shutdown. They are typically designed with rugged features that withstand vibrations and variations in temperature, contributing to their widespread usage in automotive applications.

While nickel-cadmium and alkaline batteries are used in specific applications, such as portable electronics or tools, they do not meet the high current demands required for starting an automobile engine. Lithium-ion batteries, while growing in use especially in hybrid and electric vehicles, are not standard in conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Lead-acid batteries remain a fundamental component of almost all modern automotive environments due to their unique strengths and long history of performance.