HOW IS A CAR BATTERY MADE
All batteries work on the same principle, whether it is for a notebook, tablet, mobile phone. A car battery is no different. Every battery has a positive and negative terminal, which allows the transport of electricity. This electricity is carried by negatively charged sub-atomic particles called electrons.
A vehicle’s battery allows electric current to flow through your vehicle, and therefore, allow it to come alive. Your battery powers various components, such as the central locking, your windshield wipers, and of course, your engine. Without a surge of power, your engine would not work, and your car would not run.
How is a car battery made to produce electrical energy that powers your vehicle?
One of its most important components is sulfuric acid, which provides the necessary process that allows ions to drive an electronic reaction; and lead, which conducts electricity. When your battery discharges, the plates contain lead sulfate. As the battery is being charged, a chemical reaction renders this coating as lead oxide.
An automotive battery can generate 12 volts, and comprises six cells, each of which can generate 2 volts. Each cell contains a positively and negatively charged lead plate. They start off as lead ingots. Lead is easily melted and malleable: it can be molded, flattened, and shaped according to your needs, and it can freely conduct electricity.
CAR BATTERY MADE ON THE PRODUCTION LINE
Lead ingots are melted down, and after several processing reactions, atomized. This spray of lead is combined with oxygen, producing a toxic metal called lead oxide. Resembling powdery dirt, lead oxide is extremely dangerous, it can poison all living systems. Workers need to protect themselves with face masks to avoid inhaling lead oxide.
A vehicle battery contains around 90-100 grids on which lead can be mounted. The lead oxide is pressed onto these grids, creating an extremely heavy component. These grids go through a flash drying process, which completely removes any moisture. Because of their weight, robotic machines are needed to stack the finished plates together, forming the basic cells of the battery.
The end product is a heavy automotive battery that contains around 20 pounds of lead. They are assembled on a conveyor belt: the outer polypropylene casing is fitted with the cells, and other components, such as terminals, are added to the battery. In the final process, they are filled with a solution of 35% sulfuric acid, and are charged before being shipped off to car manufacturers and battery retailers.
