Re: Let\'s talk batteries for a moment.
Yes, that is correct. Batteries are not over charged at 80%. The battery has to have a chemical failure/mechanical failure in MOST cases to overcharge. Understand the charging principals of a vehicle. ALT. are only designed to maintain a battery, not recharge a fully discharged battery. There are ALT. on the market that can put out double, or in some cases triple the factory amp output. These can maintain high amp draws(loads)such as winch, lights, stereo, etc. much easier. But none are designed to fully recharge a battery. I know this is going to cause a arguement, but understanding a battery charging curve would fully explain this principle. Real quick, a battery must be charged at approximately 18%-20% of its rated capacity( also known as start rate, at a constant current) as the gravities and voltages(they are proportional) rise, the charging source begins to taper. Reducing its rate(finish rate at constant current) to approximately 2-4% of the batteries rated capacity. Most ALT. start high, and are reading overall voltage, then reduce voltage quickly when the set point is reached. Throw in accessories, low speed, and ambient temperature, and the charging control is horrible. This is where the battery can become overcharged. Once again, this is not to cause a flame war, just understand, NO battery is without sacrifices. Either reliabilty, or output is always a compromise. Technology is here to produce a high capacity super long life battery, but the cost, and enviromental concerns don't allow it. I have seen deep cycle batteries created at the turn of the century for telephone companies, that are still in business today. But that is a different animal...
