Choosing the right racing battery can impact performance, weight, and reliability on the track. Whether you're turning laps on a circle track, running the quarter-mile, or battling it out on the dirt, the battery in your race car plays a critical role in keeping everything powered and performing at its best. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common racing battery types, how to select the right one for your specific build, and how to maintain it for maximum lifespan and trouble-free operation.

Understanding Race Car Battery Types

The three primary racing battery types—lead-acid, AGM, and lithium-ion—each have their own advantages and trade-offs. Understanding their differences will help you make the best choice for your racing needs.

Lead-Acid Batteries

The lead-acid battery is the traditional car battery, known for its affordability and heavy weight. Inside, it contains alternating plates, some made of sponge lead (cathode) and others coated with lead dioxide (anode). The materials inside the battery undergo a chemical reaction that generates electricity.

Because lead-acid batteries contain a free-flowing liquid electrolyte solution, they are also called wet cell batteries. The liquid requires a strong, durable case to prevent leaks, and the battery must be installed upright for proper operation. In motorsports, lead-acid batteries must be secured inside a battery box to prevent spills and meet safety requirements.

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Batteries

Unlike traditional wet cell batteries, AGM batteries use an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) to hold the electrolyte instead of free flowing liquid. These ultra-thin glass fiber mats trap the acid, making the battery completely spill proof so you can mount them in any position without the risk of leaks. Because the lead plates are tightly secured within the mats, they experience less movement, making AGM batteries highly resistant to vibration and shock—an essential feature for motorsports applications. Additionally, their more compact and lightweight design offers an edge over standard lead-acid batteries.

Lithium Batteries

Many race car batteries today use lithium-ion technology, specifically lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, known for its stability and safety. While the science behind these batteries is complex, what matters most is the performance advantage they offer over traditional lead-acid and AGM options. Lithium batteries are significantly lighter, often weighing up to two-thirds less than a comparable lead-acid battery. They also provide a longer service life, handle deep discharges better, and recharge much faster. One consideration is reduced performance in extremely cold conditions (below -10°C), though this is rarely an issue in most racing environments. While lithium batteries tend to have a higher upfront cost, their durability and efficiency help balance out the investment over time.

How To Choose the Right Battery for Your Race Car

When choosing the right battery for your car, think about any future modifications and how that could impact your performance. When in doubt, the best battery for your race car is the largest battery that will work in your setup. Sure, a three point battery can work for what you need, but a five pound battery will work longer and support modifications.

Benefits of Lithium Batteries

If minimizing weight and maximizing performance are priorities for your build, lithium batteries are hard to beat. They deliver consistent voltage throughout a race, which is crucial for keeping sensitive systems like your ignition and electronics operating at their best, even as the battery drains. Their ability to withstand deep discharges without losing capacity means fewer worries about power fading when it matters most. Plus, their lightweight design helps reduce overall vehicle weight—a key factor in competitive racing. While lithium batteries do come with a higher price tag, the combination of reliability, longevity, and performance gains makes them a smart investment for serious racers.

Benefits of 16-Volt Batteries

When deciding on the right battery for your race car, 16-volt batteries are worth considering if your build demands extra cranking power and stable voltage under heavy loads. The added voltage helps turn over high-compression engines more easily, making startups quicker and more reliable. This is especially important for cars without an alternator or those running a total-loss system, where the battery is the only source of power for the entire race.

In these setups, a standard 12-volt battery may lose voltage as it discharges, which can cause the ignition system and electronics to underperform. A 16-volt battery maintains higher voltage throughout the run, helping critical systems stay consistent from start to finish. If you're running high-demand ignition components or need reliable power without the support of a charging system, upgrading to 16 volts can be a smart move to keep your car performing at its best, even under the most demanding conditions.

Voltage Comparisons: 12V vs 16V Batteries

Let’s break down the differences between 16V and 12V batteries:

12 Volt Race Car Battery

• Standard use: Most common, works for most setups.
• Starting Power: Good, but can slow as it discharges.
• Voltage Drop: Drops as the battery drains (may fall below 12V).
• Engine Performance: May suffer if voltage drops too low (below 12V).
• Weight: Heavier, especially in lead-acid form.
• Best For: Cars with alternators and moderate power.

16 Volt Race Car Battery

• Standard Use: Better for high-demand race cars.
• Starting Power: Spins the starter faster and easier.
• Voltage Drop: Stays higher (15V+) even as it drains.
• Engine Performance: Keeps ignition happy with constant voltage.
• Weight: Lighter if using lithium.
• Best For: High-performance setups, cars without alternators, or total-loss systems.

Battery Maintenance for Longevity

Once you’ve found the right battery for your race car, taking proper care of it is key to getting the most life and performance out of your investment. A well-maintained battery is more reliable on race day and less likely to leave you with unexpected issues. Here are a few tips to keep your racing battery in peak condition:

• Proper Charging Practices. Use the correct charger for your battery type and avoid overcharging. Similarly, try to prevent deep discharges, which can shorten battery life, especially with lead-acid models.
• Storage Tips. When your car isn’t in use, keep the battery at the recommended state of charge and store it in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat and cold can both impact battery health over time.
• Regular Inspections. Before events, check for signs of corrosion on terminals, ensure connections are tight, and test voltage to catch any signs of decline early.
• Using a Battery Tender. For cars that sit between races, a battery tender helps maintain the correct charge level without overcharging, which is especially useful for lithium and AGM batteries.

It’s also important to remember that performance batteries are consumable parts—even with perfect maintenance, they don’t last forever. Many professional race teams replace their batteries at the end of each season (or sooner) to avoid unexpected failures and protect their investment in the car’s performance.

At Behrent’s, we stock racing batteries from top brands like Total Power, Braille Battery, XS Power, and Full Spectrum Power, so you can find the right option for your build. Whether you're looking for maximum power, minimal weight, or long-term reliability, we have the battery solutions to keep you on track and running strong.