When the Lead Acid Battery is recharged, the process is reversed. An external source of electrical energy is used to apply a voltage across the battery, causing the lead sulfate to break down into lead and lead dioxide. The sulfuric acid is also regenerated during this process. This chemical reaction converts electrical energy into chemical energy, which is stored in the battery.
The voltage of a Lead Acid Battery is determined by the number of cells it contains. Each cell produces about 2 volts, so a six-cell battery produces a voltage of about 12 volts, which is commonly used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The charging process of a lead-acid battery involves three stages: bulk, absorption, and float. During the bulk stage, the battery is charged with a constant current until the voltage reaches a certain level. This stage is important to quickly recharge the battery and restore its capacity.
