Odyssey Connect: leading the charge in smart battery management
As commercial fleet operators continue to prioritise smarter, safer and more sustainable measures to keep vehicles on the road, power solutions provider EnerSys says its Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system is redefining how battery performance is managed.
“Bringing intelligent technology to heavy-duty vehicle management, the Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system is transforming the way operators oversee performance, reliability and cost efficiency across their fleets,” said the company.
“When it comes to HGVs, PSVs and LCVs, reliable battery performance is essential for operational uptime. The Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system integrates a built-in sensor with advanced AGM Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, creating the world’s first smart AGM battery.”
This intelligent monitoring solution delivers real-time data directly to any smart device, giving fleet managers instant access to critical information such as state of charge, for which users can view detailed performance graphs in 20 per cent increments over six days.
State of health monitoring allows users to keep tabs of ongoing trends and take action before problems arise, while six days of performance data can be tracked for voltage and temperature to identify early warning signs – and battery history information allows analysis of operating trends from the first day of use to optimise maintenance planning.
Fleet operators also benefit from automated alerts and safety notifications, helping to prevent issues that could lead to costly downtime or on-road breakdowns.
“Battery performance plays a vital role in fleet uptime and productivity, particularly during the winter months when cold weather significantly increases the risk of no-starts and vehicle breakdowns,” said EnerSys.
“In freezing temperatures, a typical battery can lose up to 60 per cent of its cranking power, while heavy-duty vehicles require nearly twice as much energy to start.
“That’s why having a powerful, reliable battery is critical for fleet safety and performance. Odyssey batteries are engineered to deliver some of the highest Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) available, ensuring reliable starts even on icy mornings.
“When combined with the Odyssey Connect monitoring system, operators can continuously keep track of the condition of vehicle batteries and take proactive measures to prevent cold-weather failures before they occur.
“Implementing a preventative maintenance programme with regular battery health checks not only helps reduce downtime but also supports driver safety and fleet efficiency throughout the winter season.”
Modern HGV and PSV operations place heavy electrical demands on their batteries, says EnerSys; auxiliary loads such as heating, lighting, refrigeration and hotel functions can quickly drain conventional batteries, leading to premature failure.
“The dual-purpose design of Odyssey batteries provides the power of two batteries in one – combining exceptional cranking capability with deep-cycle performance. This ensures that critical onboard systems remain powered during double shifts or overnight stops, without compromising starting reliability.”
Built with Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) TPPL technology, Odyssey batteries are said to deliver up to three times the service life of traditional lead-acid batteries. Their sealed, maintenance-free design eliminates the need for watering and reduces maintenance costs, says EnerSys, while the extended lifespan helps to lower the total cost of ownership.
Available with the ODX-ACE31 and OPD-ACEDINC models, the Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system combines data-driven intelligence with robust design to give operators a complete power management solution.
“The Odyssey Connect monitoring system is a smart investment for operators looking to improve fleet efficiency,” commented Tom Spinks, transportation product manager at EnerSys.
“This innovative technology enables users to access real-time information on battery status from day one, which can enhance productivity and deliver un-interruptible power for a lower total cost of ownership. This means less worrying about vehicle downtime for operators and more focus on core business objectives.”
