MEETING THE DEMANDS! Part 4

---

05 Mar 2019

Category: OnRouteMag, On Route News

 

More than ever, batteries need to be fit for purpose to avoid costly vehicle downtime – Part 4

John Bentley, technical manager for ECOBAT Battery Technologies (EBT), formally Manbat, has been running a series of features considering the knock-on effects of vehicle development on CV batteries and the subsequent introduction of the VARTA® ProMotive EFB (enhanced flooded battery).

As detailed in the previous articles, the introduction of AdBlue systems has forced the relocation of the batteries in many CV applications, to a position where the electrolyte does not benefit from the natural mixing effect from the vehicle being driven.

“When it comes to this problem (the electrolyte), VARTA’s engineers have come up with a patented solution, that combines a very clever Labyrinth lid and a mixing element within the battery’s internal design. This creates capillary action through each cell of the battery, which circulates the electrolyte and forces the acid concentrated electrolyte to mix with the diluted electrolyte and results in its effective homogenisation within less than a minute of the vehicle pulling away, meaning its ability to charge, as well as its overall performance is enhanced, hence the acronym EFB – enhanced flooded battery.

“This is all very well, but what does this technology really mean for fleet vehicles? I hear operators ask.

“The answer is twofold and comes first in a reduction in the risk of vehicle breakdown caused by inferior batteries and the resulting downtime caused by complete battery failure and secondly, with an increase in the useable life of the vehicle’s batteries, both of which significantly improve efficiencies across the business. In fact, the predicted life expectancy of the VARTA EFB battery is between 35% and 40% compared a conventional SLI (starter, lights & ignition) battery.”

In the final part of this series, John will expand on these benefits, but further details, please contact ECOBAT Battery Technologies on: 01743 218500 or visit: www.ecobat.tech