VARTA keeps drivers warm in winter
With winter approaching, energy storage technology provider Clarios has outlined the features of its VARTA ProMotive AGM Truck Battery, which it says sets new standards in terms of reliability and durability as compared to conventional batteries.
Winter is a challenging time for CV batteries, the company points out, with increased rates of flat batteries caused by sub-zero temperatures. To avoid this, Clarios developed the VARTA ProMotive AGM in collaboration with the leading truck manufacturers.
Anders Johansson is all too familiar with the problems faced by truck drivers in the winter. An owner-driver, he spends up to five nights a week on the road in northern Sweden – frequently at low sub-zero temperatures and in constant darkness. Both of these factors have frequently afflicted the batteries used previously by his fleet.
“When you spend so many hours on the road, lights plus a microwave, refrigerator, iPad and coffee machine are essential items in order to live as normal as possible,” he explained.
“And, of, course, a cab heater.”
The heater runs all night, and sometimes even when parked up for lunch, which draws a huge amount of electricity; the fuel pump, glow plug, ventilation system and coolant pump in the heating system have to be kept operational.
“Waking up at night because the battery has gone flat and it’s perhaps only one or two degrees in the cabin is no fun,” said Johansson.
Since fitting VARTA ProMotive AGM in his fleet, his truck is not only warm and cosy; the engine starts reliably even after being switched off for an extended period.
For Johansson, it was a major problem that often batteries did not manage that.
“If you’re stuck in the middle of a forest up here in the far north, the nearest workshop may be 250 to 300 kilometres away,” he continued.
“That’s why drivers often didn’t turn their engine off overnight in the past to make sure there was still enough power the next morning.”
Since that is no longer necessary, Johansson saves a lot of fuel and money, despite the slightly higher purchase price of the VARTA ProMotive AGM compared with other batteries.
“It feels like I’ve got my own power plant with me,” he added.
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) is a further development of the lead-acid battery. The electrolyte in this case is bound in a glass-fibre fleece mat. That prevents electrolyte stratification – the main cause of flat batteries in lead-acid starter batteries – as a result of which its service life is significantly extended, says Clarios.
Another advantage of the AGM technology is its excellent charge acceptance, adds the firm; for the first time, it is possible to charge the battery fully – not just in the lab but also in the vehicle. That means the full battery capacity is available for every overnight stop.
In combination with the VARTA PowerFrame grid, the VARTA ProMotive AGM is said to deliver excellent starting performance even if the battery is partially or even significantly discharged. That still applies even at low temperatures if the drivers leave their parking heater and other electronic devices running in the truck overnight.
This reliable grid technology sets the AGM battery apart from competitors’ batteries, Clarios says; real-world fleet testing proves the powerful grid to be nearly three times more corrosion resistant compared to other grids, making it more durable than other technologies.
The PowerFrame grid technology pattern is optimised for full grid utilization, providing more than 60 per cent superior electrical flow for better connectivity.
Customers can get exclusive support directly from the manufacturer, via the VARTA Fleet Program. By registering, members receive customised information on battery management, test results and helpful tips for their fleet. Registration is free-of-charge at the URL below.
