What component is used to store electrical energy in a vehicle?

The battery is the primary component used to store electrical energy in a vehicle. It serves as a reservoir for electrical charge, enabling the vehicle to start and providing power to electrical systems when the engine is off. Additionally, it helps stabilize voltage levels within the electrical system by absorbing surges and supplying power during high demand situations, such as when the starter motor is engaged.

While capacitors can store electrical energy temporarily, they are not typically used in vehicles as the main energy storage solution. Generators produce electrical energy rather than store it, converting mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy to recharge the battery and power accessories. Fuel cells, on the other hand, convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, rather than storing it, and are not commonly used in traditional vehicles. Thus, the battery is the most appropriate answer for its role in energy storage in automotive applications.