The main differences between Duralast EFB and Duralast AGM Batteries are battery technology. The Duralast EFB uses enhanced flooded battery (EFB) technology, while the Duralast AGM uses absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery technology.
Duralast EFB vs AGM
This comparison table makes it easy to understand the differences.
| Features | Duralast AGM | Duralast EFB |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Technology | Absorbent glass mat (AGM) | Enhanced flooded battery (EFB) |
| guarantee | 3 years | 3 years |
| BCI Group Size | 48 | 48 |
| Cold Cranking Ampere | 760a | 750A |
| Ampere drilling | 950A | 935a |
| Reservation ability | 130 min | 120 minutes |
| price | $249.99 | $249.99 |
| Terminal type | SAE – Type A | SAE – Type A |
| Negative terminal position | Top left | Top left |
| Positive terminal position | Top right | Top right |
| length | 11.0 in | 6.88 inches |
| width | 6.94 in | 11 inches |
| height | 7.5 inches | 7.5 inches |
| Weight | 46.9 lbs | 42.12 lbs |
| Voltage | 12V | 12V |
Battery Technology
The Duralast EFB battery utilizes enhanced flood battery technology. This means it is a lead-acid battery with liquid electrolytes like traditional flooded batteries.
However, the Duralast EFB battery includes modifications such as carbon additives and reinforced grids to improve performance compared to standard flooded batteries. Carbon additives allow faster charging and increased battery life.
The Duralast AGM battery uses absorbed glass mat technology. The AGM batteries are also lead acid, but the electrolyte is retained in an absorbent glass mat between the plates rather than a liquid.
This prevents the AGM battery from being exhausted and can be installed in a variety of directions. AGM batteries generally offer a higher cycle life compared to flooded batteries.
guarantee
The Duralast EFB and Duralast AGM batteries come with a 3-year free replacement warranty, making it easy to buy. This covers defects in material and finish.
Group size
The Duralast EFB has an EN group size of LN3 and a DIN group size of H6. Rather than specifying an EN group size, the Duralast AGM has the same DIN group size as H6. Both use standard BCI group sizes of 48.
This means that the battery is replaceable in most applications that require a Group 48 battery.
Cold cranking amplifier
The Duralast AGM battery offers a high rating for a 760A vs. 760A cold cranking amplifier (CCA) with the Duralast EFB. The higher the CCA, the better starting force in colder climates.
Cranking Amplifier
To start output at room temperature, the Duralast AGM is rated as a 950A cranking amplifier compared to the Duralast EFB's 935A. Again, the AGM has a slight edge.
Reservation ability
Each Duralast AGM bests the Duralast EFB with reserve capabilities, each for 130 minutes compared to 120 minutes. This indicates that the AGM can provide longer available charges in the event of an alternator breakdown.
price
Both the Duralast EFB and AGM batteries are available for sale at $249.99 in the same price range. Shoppers get premium performance at competitive price ranges for both options.
Terminal location
The battery shares the location of the side terminal and the standard design. The positive terminal is on the top right, and the negative terminal is on the top left of both models.
size
Battery dimensions vary slightly.
- Duralast AGM: 11.0 x 6.94 x 7.5 inches
- Duralast EFB: 6.88 x 11 x 7.5 inches
Therefore, the AGM battery has a more extended, narrower footprint compared to the shorter, wider Duralast EFB.
Weight
For the Duralast EFB, the AGM battery is 46.9 pounds and weighs 42.2 pounds. This slight difference may be due to the additional materials of the AGM structure.
Voltage
Both batteries have a voltage rating of 12V, which is standard for most passenger cars. This voltage rating ensures seamless integration and replacement on existing 12V systems.
Additional features
Duralast AGM emphasizes its unsuppressible design for safer and less maintenance operations, taking into account the absorbed electrolytes. It also highlights excellent performance in hot and cold weather conditions.
Duralast EFB promotes faster charging capacity and increased cycle life thanks to carbon additives. Its reinforced grid also helps to extend the service life by resisting corrosion.
Our observation
The Duralast Platinum AGM Battery offers a slightly higher cold cranking amplifier (760A vs 750A) and a longer spare capacity (130-minutes vs 120 minutes), making it even better for vehicles that require more starting power in cold weather.
but, duralast EFB batteries have a high amplifier time rating (74AH vs. 70AH), and carbon additives help to charge faster. I was given duralast EFB compatibility with more vehicles designed for traditional batteries.
The Duralast Platinum EFB is recommended as the best overall choice for most drivers that require a replacement battery.
Your go-to car parts expert Peter Reese bridges the gap between mechanics and drivers. For more than decades in the automotive industry, he has deciphered the complexities of vehicles with his insightful blog, deciphering readers towards familiar decision-making and smooth vehicles.