The black plastic box sitting under the motorcycle seat known as the battery has come so far since the first battery was created in by Alessandro Volta in 1800, and then the lead-acid battery by Gaston Planté in 1860.

Modern batteries such as those from Dynavolt are more reliable, last longer, and more advanced than most of like to think, although the basic principles go all the way back to Volta and Planté.

How does it work?

The keywords to describe a battery are: An electrochemical device which converts chemical energy to electrical energy. We will cover the basic 12V lead-acid motorcycle battery first.

• There are six individual cells that produce approximately 2 volts each, totalling between 12.0 to 13.2 volts.
• Each cell consists of alternatively charged positive and negative lead (Pb) plates. The more plates in a cell, the more current (flow of electrons – Amp) and energy capacity (ampere hours – AH).
• Insulators that are placed between the individual cells.
• The cells are then connected to each other with a plate on top of bottom.
• Electrolyte which is a sulfuric acid (commonly known as battery acid) and distilled water mix that was poured in earlier to activate the battery.
• The lead plates react chemically to the sulfuric acid, producing lead sulphate.
• At the same time, the acid is turned into water which in turn is split into hydrogen and oxygen.
• The chemical reaction releases electrons from the negative plates.
• These electrons (negatively charged) flow to the electrical components and return to the battery’s positive terminal and plates. This flow is the electrical current (measured in ampere or A).
• The electrolyte will eventually be diluted through electrical usage, turning more and more into water.
• Charging the battery reverses the chemical process.

Simple, yes?