Laboratory and field evaluations of Optima VRLA batteries utilizing rapid charging

Comparative life-cycle testing was performed with 12 V, 52 Ah prototype Optima wound cylindrical, absorptive glass-mat valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries using conventional and rapid recharging. It was determined that the cycle life of the batteries increased from 230 conventional-charge cycles (10000 Ah) to 1050 rapid-charge cycles (35000 Ah). A cycle life test was also performed on a 22 kWh prototype Optima VRLA electric vehicle battery. In this work, over 13500 miles (21600 km), representing 625 life cycles (14000 Ah) were accumulated using 380 conventional and 245 rapid charges. The active material investigations carried out provided clear evidence of the benefits of fast charging on structure development. Overall, the results of this study showed that rapid charging not only extends the daily range of lead-acid battery driven vehicles, but also substantially enhances cycle life