What Is A VRLA Battery, And Why Is It the Best Choice For Your Motorcycle Or Scooter In Nepal? 

The emerging technologies have contributed to the advancement of battery technologies in Nepal. With the growing need for high-technology battery systems in modern two-wheelers, the batteries made with VRLA technologies are becoming popular. A VRLA battery refers to a Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid battery built with maintenance-free and spill-proof technology to last long and generate reliable power for your vehicle. 

A VRLA battery is safe and durable and does not require periodic water top-up when compared to conventional flooded batteries. The emerging VRLA technology has become a reliable and solid option for use in two-wheelers like scooters and motorbikes in Nepal.

In this blog, we explain what a VRLA battery is and why it is one of the best choices for motorcycles or scooters in Nepal. We give a detailed comparison of conventional flooded batteries and VRLA batteries. VRLA batteries’ key advantages and reason for suitability in Nepalese two-wheelers and road conditions are also explained.  

What Does VRLA Stand For? 

VRLA stands for Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid battery that is sealed using lead acid to give a maintenance-free and non-spillable design. The battery uses Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel battery technologies to absorb electrolyte and prevent spills and leaks. VRLA batteries are also popularly referred to as maintenance-free batteries and Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA). 

The VRLA batteries are widely used in vehicles, telecommunication equipment, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, and emergency systems. Its robust build quality helps to withstand vibration and shock, giving durability during use. VRLA batteries are ideal for use in motorcycles and scooters, as they last more than 3 years and last up to 10 years. Also, they are durable and handle harsh weather conditions and terrains to provide high power to the vehicle. 

How VRLA Differs from Conventional Flooded Batteries 

VRLA batteries use modern and efficient technology in comparison to conventional lead-acid batteries. The modern VRLA battery is highly durable and efficient and gives peace of mind to the owner, as it doesn’t require frequent maintenance. The key differences in Conventional Flooded batteries and VRLA technologies are the following:

Feature	Conventional Flooded Battery	VRLA Battery
Maintenance	Requires periodic water top-ups and maintenance	Maintenance-free
Acid Leakage Risk	High risk of spill and leakages	Low spill and leakage risk due to sealed design. VRLA commonly uses Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and gel battery technologies to absorb electrolyte to prevent leaks.
Orientation	Installation must stay in an upright position to reduce risk of spill	Battery can be installed from any position without risk of spills and leaks.
Vibration Resistance	Average vibration resistance	High vibration resistance ability
Safety	Requires proper ventilation due to risk of harmful gas emission	Safer due to less gas emission and can be installed in confined spaces
Durability	3 to 5 years depending upon maintenance and use.	3 to 10 years of durability depending upon use
Suitable for two-wheelers	Less recommended for use in motorcycles and scooters	Highly recommended and ideal for use in scooters and motorcycles due to high resistance to vibration, spill proof design, and durability.

Types Of VRLA: Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) And Gel

VRLA batteries commonly use Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel technologies for spill proofing and to avoid the requirement of periodic maintenance. While AGM technology in VRLA uses fiberglass mats for high-power performance, the Gel technology uses a silica additive to give deep-cycle abilities. The detailed comparisons between VRLA batteries made using AGM and Gel technology are provided below:

Feature	AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)	Gel Battery
Electrolyte Form	Uses glass mat to absorb electrolyte	Uses silica additive to immobilize electrolyte
Starting Power	Strong and high starting power	Moderate starting power
Charging Speed	High-speed charging rate	Slower charge speed due to sensitivity to overcharging
Common Use in Two-Wheelers	Mostly used in two-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles and scooters	Less common for use in motorcycles and scooters
Vibration Resistance	Excellent vibrations resistance	Very good resistance to vibrations
Cost	Lower initial cost in comparison to Gel batteries	More expensive than AGM battery
Durability	Good lifespan of 3 to 7 years or more	High durability and lifespan of 5 to 12 years or more.

Why VRLA Is Perfect For Nepali Roads 

The modern VRLA battery is ideal for use in two-wheelers and vehicles on Nepali roads. Its high vibration resistance, durability, spill-proof technology, and free installation orientation make it best for installation in motorcycles and scooters of various brands and capacities. The key advantages of VRLA batteries for Nepali riders include the following:

• Maintenance-free: The innovative VRLA battery does not require refilling water and periodic maintenance, giving peace of mind to riders. 

• Spill-Proof: The battery comes with spill-proof technology, making it best for use in the hilly, uneven, and bumpy road conditions of Nepal.

•  Vibration-resistant: The vibration-resistant built quality makes the battery suitable for use in Nepali road conditions, where bumps and vibrations are common. 

• Performance and durability: VRLA battery supplies consist of consistent power and give reliable performance even in harsh weather conditions. Unlike conventional batteries, they are highly durable and long-lasting.

• Price: While VRLA batteries are costlier than conventional flooded batteries, they are yet affordable and a good value in terms of performance. 

• Low self-discharge rate: The VRLA batteries are also best for their low self-discharge rate. It means your battery drains slower in situations where you park your vehicle for a long time. These batteries are best for both regular and non-regular vehicle users. 

Popular Bikes And Scooters In Nepal That Uses VRLA Batteries

Many popular and modern two-wheeler vehicles in Nepal use VRLA batteries. Due to high performance, reliability, durability, and spill proof design, they are used by reputed automobile brands in Nepal. VRLA batteries are best used in modern vehicles with fuel injection (FI) technology for consistent and stable electrical output. The popular two-wheeler brands and vehicles in Nepal that use VRLA batteries include the following:

• Bajaj: Pulsar 150, Pulsar 220F, Pulsar NS
• Honda: CB Unicorn 150, CBR 250, Dio BS6, Shine BS6
• KTM: Duke series, RC Series, Adventure series
• TVS: Apache series, Ntorq 125, Raider
• Royal Enfield: Hunter 350, Classic 350

Conclusion

Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) is an ideal battery for use in two-wheelers, including motorcycles and scooters, in Nepal. They provide better performance, safety, and durability due to spill proof technology, vibration resistance features, and a long life span when compared to conventional flooded batteries. The VRLA battery is best for two-wheelers available in Nepal, Nepali road conditions, and environmental situations. 

When replacing new batteries for your two-wheeler, ensure you choose the VRLA battery and ensure long-term durability, reliability, and performance. Contact Asian Batteries for the latest VRLA batteries for your bikes and scooters of any brands in Nepal. 

FAQs On VRLA Battery

1. What is a VRLA Battery? 

VRLA is Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid battery that commonly uses AGM and Gel technology for spill-free, maintenance-free, and long-term durability. In comparison to conventional flooded batteries, VRLA batteries are safe for use in two-wheelers, especially in the road and weather conditions of Nepal.  

2. Can a VRLA battery be used in all motorcycles and scooters? 

Yes, you can use VRLA batteries in all motorcycles and scooters if the battery voltage, size, and terminals match your vehicle requirements. 

3. Which is better: an AGM or Gel VRLA battery?

AGM and Gel VRLA batteries both have different advantages and uses. For use in two-wheeler vehicles, an AGM VRLA battery can be an ideal choice because of its low initial cost, high starting power, and long durability.