What type of current does a car battery use?

A car battery uses direct current (DC) to power the vehicle's electrical systems and start the engine. This is because the chemical reactions that occur within a lead-acid battery produce a constant voltage and current flow in one direction, which is characteristic of direct current.

In the context of automotive applications, direct current is essential for the operation of electronic components, such as lights, radio, and sensors. The design of a car's electrical system is based around this type of current, which makes it compatible with the starter motor and other devices that require a stable voltage for reliable performance.

Alternating current (AC) is typically used in household power supplies and in some hybrid and electric cars where it's generated by a motor generator; however, the battery itself stores and provides DC. Other options like EC current and pulse current are not standard terms used in automotive applications, making direct current the most suitable answer in this context.