Battery Life Equation:
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The battery life calculation estimates how long a car battery will last based on its capacity (mAh) and the current draw (mA) of the car's electrical system. This helps in planning battery usage and replacement.
The calculator uses the battery life equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation divides the total battery capacity by the current draw to determine how many hours the battery will last.
Details: Knowing your car battery's expected life helps prevent unexpected battery drain, plan for long trips, and determine when to recharge or replace the battery.
Tips: Enter the battery capacity in mAh (found on battery specifications) and the current draw in mA (can be measured with a multimeter). Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's a typical mAh rating for car batteries?
A: Car batteries typically range from 40,000 mAh to 100,000 mAh, depending on size and type.
Q2: How do I measure my car's current draw?
A: Use a multimeter set to mA measurement in series with the battery circuit when the car is in its typical operating state.
Q3: Why is my actual battery life shorter than calculated?
A: Temperature, battery age, and efficiency losses can reduce actual battery life compared to theoretical calculations.
Q4: Does this work for electric vehicles?
A: The same principle applies, but EV batteries are typically measured in kWh rather than mAh.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a theoretical maximum. Real-world factors like temperature and battery health will affect actual performance.