12V Car Batteries: A Technology That Refuses to Die!

Despite all the advancements in automotive technology, most cars still rely on 12-volt batteries. But why? In this video, we explore the history of the 12V system, why it became the industry standard, and whether automakers will ever move on to a more powerful alternative. Stay tuned to find out why this decades-old technology is still the backbone of modern vehicles!
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📌 Timestamps:
0:03 – Introduction
0:54 – Why early cars didn’t need batteries
1:33 – How the 12V system became the standard
2:16 – Why not switch to a higher voltage?
4:12 – The rise of 48V systems in modern cars
5:08 – Why even electric cars still use 12V batteries
6:21 – The future: Will cars move beyond 12V?
7:18 – Conclusion

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[Pittypatmatt]

This video repeats itself over and over. You get everything the video has to offer within the first 2 mins. After that it just rephrases the same information 4/5 times.

[chrissmith]

Unlike lithium batteries, lead acid batteries fairly cheap to buy, are FULLY and cheaply recyclable, and do not set fire to recycling centres - Lead acid also has a very stable and predictable failure mode...

[CTSFanSam]

As far as I know, 12V lead acid batteries are mostly recycleable. Not much e-waste there.

[crabsy]

If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. Its one of the few things that modern cars haven’t ruined

[josephgaviota]

When I was young most cars were 6 volts. Many were positive ground. I remember having to be careful to check if the car was positive ground or negative ground.
My first car in high school was a 1955 Chevy Pickup; six volt, negative ground.
My mom had a 1950 Oldsmobile, which was hard to start when the engine was warm ... dad upgraded it to 8 volt battery which made starting much easier.

[bobwalker]

If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it!

[fivemeg]

Few more things to remember about lead acid batteries.
1- Keep your lead acid car battery as much as possible close to room temperature.
Cold weather is enemy of your battery.
2- Do not discharge your battery very deep and after you discharge, <<immediately>> fully recharge to 100% and time is very important. fully recharge it now better than fully recharge it tomorrow.
3- Every battery has self discharge and even if you don't use it must fully recharge every 3 months.
All these are for lead acid batteries and different chemistry rechargeable batteries have their own method of maintenance.

[DJ_Force]

tldr; same reason we still dig holes with shovels, 12 volt works. Some systems are already optimized.

Another fact not mentioned is that 12volts is generally safe to handle without shock risk.

[rdmineer]

The 12-volt battery serves to start the engine and as a backup supply of power. Once the vehicle starts, the power source is actually the alternator. Alternators come in various amperage ratings according to the needs of the particular vehicle.

[victorcontreras]

I'm old fashioned and one big thing we need to get used to is continue living with a basic vehicle! My van has automatic "soccer mom" self locking doors at 16mph. I HATE it!!! Also, I'm not so lazy that I need self closing side doors and back hatch. This extra exertion on my part does my health some good. And, yes, I'm slim!

[kennethausten]

My lead acid battery still. Going ok since 2012 when new. Its a Berlingo multi space. When I had a company car, I was lucky to get 5 years as a service engineer.

[Jfleshman]

I did not know some electric vehicles use 12v batteries. Thank you for teaching me something new.

[ChrisM-fzxx]

Is that a question? Cheap to make , Cheap to buy, last 5 years and are recycled to do it again and again for virtually as long as the Casing isn't broken. Battery is only needed for start up, once Engine is running the Alternator runs the electrical system and recharges the battery to keep the battery able to restart the engine again. A fancy pants Lithium battery is completely unnecessary. And lead battery won't burn your car to the ground, added bonus .😊

[scottfranco]

Light aircraft have used 24v for at least 40 years.

[billk]

My grandfather gave me his 1954 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe which had a 6-volt system. Oh, it also had a "cigar lighter" on the dash.

[glenmartin]

I am 78. I have never had a lead acid battery explode or cause a fire. They are about 95 % recycled.
Lithium batteries are a serious hazmat problem!!! Fires and explosive hazards!!! They are only about 60 % recyclable.
Thanks for your video. Chief

[GH-oijf]

My first car was six volts, positive ground.

[ttedford]

Actually since 2022 Teslas have used a 16 volt lithium battery for accessories and computer functions.

[Epic_C]

The simple term "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes into play

[dominiclapinta]

I've noticed how that they do good in extreme cold and heat.