AGM and EFB Car Batteries – What’s the Difference?

AGM Battery (9000 Series) and EFB Battery (7000 Series) from GS YUASA‘s YBX Line.

GS YUASA Explains the Technologies

To meet the increasing performance requirements of today’s vehicles, GS YUASA has developed two series of car batteries within the YBX line: the 9000 series of AGM batteries and the 7000 series of EFB batteries. But what are the exact differences between both battery technologies?

AGM batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat, acid-based) feature long service life, excellent vibration resistance and high CCA values (Cold Cranking Amperes). In addition, the batteries are fully maintenance-free because they do not consume any water and are spill-proof. Their design meets the needs of modern OEM vehicles and is compatible with delicate electronic equipment. Thanks to these characteristics, AGM technology is used as standard in many luxury cars and start-stop vehicles that place increased demands on the battery functions.

EFB batteries (Enhanced Flooded Battery), in turn, feature a higher dynamic charge acceptance of +170% as opposed to conventional flooded batteries. There is also a 100% increase of cycle life compared to standard flooded batteries, and they also have a sealed tip with an integrated flame arrestor. They also meet the needs of today’s OEM vehicles, and their technology is often built into entry-level start-stop vehicles. GS YUASA’s batteries are also suitable for heavy-duty applications characterized by repeated deep-cycled operation (e. g. police cars and taxis).

Comparison between AGM and EFB

EFB batteries were introduced as a low-cost alternative to AGM batteries while offering almost identical performance features. The difference between both has to do with technology. In AGM batteries, the acid exists in the glass-mat separator, while EFB batteries are flooded. AGM batteries feature increased cycle life and energy density, resulting in increased engine speed during cranking and maximum fuel efficiency. Consequently, AGM batteries are specifically suited to the needs of premium vehicles. This includes technologies like start-stop, passive boost and regenerative braking (recuperating part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy during braking).

GS YUASA is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of rechargeable batteries with production facilities worldwide and an extensive marketing and distribution network in Europe. The wide range of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries covers most well-known industrial applications, such as security and alarm systems, UPS and emergency lighting systems as well as OEM equipment. The three business units include Industrial (industrial batteries for standby and cyclic applications), Automotive and Motorcycle (automotive and motorbike starter batteries).

GS YUASA Battery Germany GmbH, founded in 1983 as YUASA Battery (Europe) GmbH, is based in Krefeld and serves 15 countries within Europe from there.

GS YUASA is sponsor of the Yamaha Teams im Motocross GP.

GS YUASA is sponsor of the Repsol Honda Teams HRC in der MotoGP.

GS YUASA is sponsor of the GERT56 Racing Teams.