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I purchased a new battery for my vehicle and registered it appropriately. I tested the voltage with a multimeter; when I activate the engine, the battery remains below 12 volts and does not increase. I have examined the alternator, and it indicates a voltage over 14 volts. What might be the issue? I am quite apprehensive, as the car may cease functioning during my travel.

Attempt to measure the voltages with the car's body as the ground reference; are they identical?

Did you measure the voltage prior to connecting to the vehicle?

The standard battery voltage should be slightly above 12 volts when the engine is not operating, therefore there is no cause for significant concern.
I purchased a new battery, which registered 12.2 volts prior to installation today.

The AGM battery I installed previously measured approximately 13 volts.
I would have expected a new acid battery to be approximately 12.5 volts or higher. A 12.2v battery indicates around 50% charge.

Possibly poor grounding.
The battery should have a voltage of 13 volts or more when the engine is operational.