How fast will an AGM or GEL battery lose its charge sitting in storage?
AGM and GEL batteries will have a self-discharge or internal electrochemical “leakage” of between 1% and 15% per month, depending on storage temperature.
This internal or self-discharge rate will cause the battery to become sulphated and fully discharged over time. High temperatures accelerate the process so that a battery stored at 86°F (30°C) will self-discharge twice as fast as one stored at 68°F (20° C). Discover AGM or GEL batteries will naturally discharge at approximately:
- 1%-2% per month when stored at 8°C/46°F
- 3%-4%% per month when stored at 20°C/68°F
- 5%-6% per month when stored at 30°C/86°F
- 10%-12% per month when stored at 40°C/104°F
By comparison, a quality flooded Deep Cycle battery will have a self-discharge rate at least two times greater than AGM or GEL batteries.
- Check and charge, if required, your Deep Cycle AGM or GEL batteries every 2 – 3 months.
- Check and charge, if required, your Deep Cycle wet Flooded batteries every 2 – 4 weeks.