What Are Trojan Batteries?
Trojan Batteries are a leading brand of deep-cycle lead-acid batteries designed for sustained energy discharge in applications like golf carts, renewable energy storage, and industrial equipment. Their products use thick lead plates and durable separators to withstand hundreds of charge cycles. Trojan’s flooded, AGM, and gel batteries prioritize longevity over weight, with lifespans up to 1,500 cycles under proper maintenance.
What defines Trojan Batteries’ core technology?
Trojan’s design centers on thick lead plates and high-density active material for deep discharges. Their flooded batteries use sulfuric acid electrolytes, while AGM/gel models immobilize acid for spill-proof operation. Pro Tip: Trojan’s T-105 (6V) is a golf cart staple—225Ah capacity at 20-hour rate, but requires weekly water refills.
Beyond basic chemistry, Trojan optimizes plate composition to reduce sulfation. For example, their Renewable Energy series uses lead-calcium alloys to minimize gassing during partial state-of-charge (PSOC) cycling. Technically, Trojan’s 27TMH battery delivers 115Ah with 0.29 internal resistance, balancing capacity and cranking power. However, flooded models lose 1% charge daily—so solar users must prioritize regular charging.
What happens if plates corrode? Reduced capacity and risky hydrogen emissions. A Trojan T-105 lasts 5-7 years with maintenance, versus 2-3 years for thin-plate alternatives.
| Model | Capacity (Ah) | Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|
| T-105 (Flooded) | 225 | 1,200 cycles |
| RE-FLEX (AGM) | 110 | 1,500 cycles |
How do Trojan batteries compare to lithium-ion alternatives?
Trojan’s lead-acid batteries offer lower upfront costs but higher weight and maintenance versus lithium. A 48V 200Ah Trojan bank costs ~$2,500 vs. $5,000+ for lithium, but weighs 600 lbs vs. 150 lbs. However, lithium lasts 3x longer in high-DoD scenarios.
Practically speaking, Trojan excels in budget-conscious, moderate-use setups. A golf course using T-875s might replace batteries every 5 years, whereas lithium could stretch to 10+ years. But lithium’s 95% efficiency outperforms Trojan’s 80-85%, crucial for solar systems. Technical edge cases matter: Trojan’s operating temperature range (-40°F to 140°F) beats many lithium packs (-4°F to 131°F).
Ever seen a swollen battery? Overcharging Trojan AGMs beyond 14.4V (12V model) causes irreversible damage.
| Factor | Trojan Flooded | Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per kWh | $150 | $400 |
| Weight per kWh | 63 lbs | 15 lbs |
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Every 2-4 weeks—use distilled water to keep plates submerged but avoid overfilling above the fill ring.
Can I use a lithium charger on Trojan AGM?
No—lead-acid requires lower voltage (14.4-14.8V) vs. lithium (14.6-14.8V). Mismatched chargers cause undercharging or corrosion.
Do Trojan batteries work in cold climates?
Yes, but capacity drops 30% at -22°F. Pre-warm batteries or oversize the bank by 40% for winter reliability.