What does a 'load test' assess in a battery?

A load test is specifically designed to assess a battery's ability to deliver current when a load is applied, which is critical for determining how well the battery can perform during actual operating conditions. This test measures the battery's capacity to provide the necessary amperage to start an engine or run electrical components while under stress.

During the test, a load is applied to the battery, and the voltage is monitored to see if it remains within acceptable limits. If the voltage drops significantly under load, it indicates that the battery may not be able to sustain the required current levels, which can lead to starting issues or inadequate power supply to other systems.

While the other aspects mentioned—such as energy storage capacity, overall physical condition, and charge level when idle—are also important for evaluating a battery, they do not specifically relate to the critical performance measure of current delivery under load that a load test provides. Thus, choosing the ability to deliver current under load accurately reflects the primary purpose of a load test.