If you are dealing with batteries, you first need to know the type of battery. Batteries are mainly divided into two types, Lead-acid batteries and Lithium-ion batteries. Lead acid batteries can be further divided into Open type and Maintenance free type.
Lead Acid battery (Open type)
The open lead battery is a standard battery that has been around for a long time. As the name suggests, it is designed so that the battery lid can be opened.
The reason why the lid can be opened is to monitor the level of battery fluid. And in case the level of electrolyte (fluid) is low, you can refill it from the top. If the level of battery fluid falls below the recommendation, the power will drop and the battery itself will be damaged.
Lead Acid battery (Maintenance free)
As the name implies, the MF battery is a maintenance-free battery. Unlike open batteries, there is almost no reduction in the battery fluid, so there is no lid for injecting any electrolytes.
The structure of the battery is not much different from that of an open type battery, except that the gas generated inside is absorbed by the electrodes themselves.
However, the amount of gas that can be absorbed is limited. So in case of an overcharge, a large amount of gas can be produced, this may result in swelling or explosion. Therefore, while charging the MF type battery, be extra cautious to use chargers that are recommended by the manufacturers.
Lithium Ion Battery
Lithium-ion batteries are the new types of batteries we can find in almost every modern day motorcycles. They are getting a lot of attention lately due to their significant performance and longevity. It is this lithium-ion combination that is used in hybrid vehicles and smartphones.
One of the great things about lithium-ion batteries is that they weigh much less than lead batteries. And if you hold a lead and lithium battery of the same size in your hands, you will be surprised by its ultra-light weight. This makes it ideal for two-wheelers, particularly motorcycles, where manufacturers are continuously trying to reduce weight and increase power.
Moreover, these types of batteries do not self-discharge very easily. However, a lot of it depends on external factors and the preservation techniques. Since the lithium-ion battery has a different structure from a normal lead battery, a dedicated charger is also required. If you accidentally charge the battery with a charger that does not support lithium-ion batteries, it may catch fire or explode in the worst case, so be careful.