Over time it’s only natural that the nonstop demands and required uptime placed on today’s commercial fleets can begin to wreak havoc to the vehicle components. This includes the battery, which is critical to overall performance and operation. It is not only responsible for starting the engine but also powering important onboard accessories that can help contribute to keeping the driver safe, entertained and comfortable.
The good news is when you’ve determined you’re ready for a battery upgrade, there are a variety of designs to choose from that can enhance fleet performance and productivity. Once predominantly dependent on traditional flooded lead acid batteries, the battery market has progressed with much more advanced battery chemistries that offer fleet managers optimized power solutions that deliver reliable, safe, convenient and long-lasting service. Among them include Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Odyssey batteries, manufactured by EnerSys with proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology for increased starting power, faster charging and longevity.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this premium battery technology over alternative designs.
Dual purpose power for critical accessories. In addition to starting the engine, today’s work trucks also need to draw power from its main battery source to operate a variety of essential accessories required on the job, such as day cabs, sleeper cabs, GPS, radio and communication devices, as well as heating and air conditioning systems. Auxiliary power drain can shorten the life of a conventional flooded battery but Odyssey dual purpose batteries are designed for cycling service and deeper discharge.
Tolerance to extreme weather conditions. Commercial fleets must answer the call of duty regardless of the weather conditions. Winter temperatures and/or excessive heat can all play a role on the performance of the battery. Odyssey batteries are engineered to perform in extreme weather conditions at temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) to as high as 176°F (80°C).
Virtually maintenance-free. Conventional lead acid batteries require regular maintenance including watering. Virtually maintenance-free, non-spillable Odyssey batteries are sealed and do not require watering, saving manual labor and downtime.
Long-lasting performance. Odyssey batteries offer a service life of up to three times that of conventional flooded batteries and can recharge to 100% in as little as four hours.
Durable to rough terrain. Commercial fleets undergo significant vibration on the job and are often subject to rough terrain, like gravel roads or highways impeded by cracks and uneven concrete, during travel. That vibration can impact the performance of the battery. Manufactured with a military inspired design, Odyssey batteries are built to withstand heavy-duty environments and are very robust.
Built-in safety. Unlike conventional lead acid batteries, Odyssey batteries do not leak electrolyte. They also feature built-in valves to allow safe dispersal of any excess gas generation in the unlikely event of errant charging.
Invest in the best. Whether you decide on a premium Odyssey battery or another chemistry, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery care and handling and direct any questions to your battery professional. With so many options to choose from in today’s marketplace, fleet managers can customize their battery solution to fit their unique power demands. ODYSSEY® battery is a dependable product that provides an assortment of benefits to help deliver a lower total cost of ownership and keep drivers on the road.
EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. Energy Systems, which combine enclosures, power conversion, power distribution and energy storage, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies and numerous applications. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles requiring stored energy solutions. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. With the NorthStar acquisition, EnerSys has solidified its position as the market leader for premium Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries, which are sold across all three lines of business. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
