What is an AGM battery?
An AGM battery, short for Absorbed Glass Mat battery, is a type of sealed lead-acid battery in which the electrolyte is absorbed into fiberglass mats positioned between the lead plates.
Because the electrolyte is immobilised, AGM batteries are leak-proof, maintenance-free and highly resistant to shock and vibration.
Unlike traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, the electrolyte does not move freely inside the battery. This design improves safety, durability and performance, making AGM batteries suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.

The advantages of an AGM battery
✓ Safe and maintenance-free
AGM batteries are sealed and do not contain free liquid acid. This eliminates the risk of leakage and removes the need for maintenance tasks such as topping up distilled water.
✓ High performance
AGM batteries can deliver high currents and recharge faster than conventional lead-acid batteries. This makes them well suited for applications that require high peak power or reliable starting capability.
✓ Long service life
Thanks to their resistance to deep discharges, AGM batteries typically offer a longer service life compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, especially under cyclic use.
✓ Flexible installation
Because they are leak-proof, AGM batteries can be installed in almost any orientation (except completely upside down). This provides greater flexibility in confined or complex installation spaces.
✓ Excellent vibration-resistant
The absorbed electrolyte and compact internal structure make AGM batteries highly resistant to vibration, which is essential for mobile and vehicle-based applications.
Typical service life ranges for AGM batteries
The service life of an AGM battery depends strongly on how it is used. The table below shows typical service life ranges per type of application.
| Type of use | Typical application examples | Depth of discharge (DoD) | Temperature profile | Typical service life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standby / float use | UPS, emergency power, safety systems | <20% DoD | Stable (20–25 °C) | 6–8 years |
| Light cyclic use | Recreational vehicles, leisure boats, backup energy | 20–40% DoD | Mostly stable | 4–6 years |
| Moderate cyclic use | Solar storage, off-grid systems, mobile power | 40–60% DoD | Variable | 3–5 years |
| Intensive cyclic use | Mobility, daily operation, industrial applications | 60–80% DoD | Variable / elevated | 2–4 years |
| High load / peak power use | Marine winches, bow thrusters, start boosters | High peak currents | Variable | 3–5 years* |
* Calendar life may be shorter, but batteries are designed for high performance and peak discharge capability.
To maximise lifespan, periodic maintenance charging is recommended when the battery is not in active use.
By comparison, conventional flooded lead-acid batteries generally last between three and five years, making AGM batteries a higher-performing but also higher-value investment.
Applications of AGM batteries
AGM batteries are widely used wherever reliable, maintenance-free energy storage is required. Typical applications include:
- Vehicles and marine systems
- Motorhomes and recreational vehicles
- Solar and off-grid energy systems
- Emergency power supplies (UPS)
- Lifts and safety systems
- Medical equipment
Because no liquid can leak from the battery, AGM batteries are particularly suitable for transportable or relocatable energy storage. They are factory-filled and permanently sealed, allowing safe transport and repeated installation without performance loss.
Their ability to operate on their side also makes AGM batteries ideal for installations in tight spaces where upright mounting is not possible.
How to choose the right AGM battery
There are different types of AGM batteries, each designed for specific usage profiles. To select the right AGM battery, it is important to understand how the battery will be used. Key considerations include:
- Application type
For recreational or occasional use (e.g. campers or leisure boats), an AGM semi-traction battery is often sufficient.
For daily or intensive use, an AGM EV battery is the better choice due to its higher cycle resistance. - Capacity
Choose a battery with sufficient capacity to meet your energy demand. If future expansion is expected, factor this into your selection. For applications that require higher capacity and longer runtime, a 200Ah AGM battery is often a suitable solution. Learn more about typical use cases and specifications on our page about AGM 200Ah batteries. - Depth-of-discharge resistance
For intensive applications, the battery must withstand repeated deep discharges. AGM EV batteries are specifically designed for this and outperform standard AGM batteries in demanding cycles. - Cost versus performance
AGM EV batteries come at a higher price point. Consider whether the extended lifespan and performance benefits outweigh the initial investment. - Environmental conditions
Extreme temperatures, temperature fluctuations or high humidity may require a tailored solution. In such cases, professional advice is recommended.
Finding cyclic and standby AGM batteries
We offer a wide range of AGM batteries for different applications. Based on your requirements, such as voltage, capacity and available installation space, we help you identify the most suitable solution.
Cyclic AGM batteries -> often used for mobile applications
Standby AGM batteries -> often used as backup power for critical applications
If a standard battery does not fully meet your needs, we are happy to explore custom battery solutions or alternative configurations. We also supply compatible accessories, including chargers and inverters.
Lead Carbon AGM batteries
Within the AGM battery category, Lead Carbon batteries represent a specialised solution for applications with frequent cycling or partial state-of-charge operation. By adding carbon to the negative plate, these batteries offer improved charge acceptance and enhanced cycle performance compared to conventional AGM batteries.
Looking for a specific AGM battery?
Our specialists are happy to help you determine the best suitable battery for your real-world situation.
Most used AGM batteries
-
Cellpower CPXC 200 – 12 HE
More info: Cellpower CPXC 200 – 12 HE- 522 x 240 x 222 mm
- Cyclic
- 200 Ah
- Lead Carbon
- 12 V



