Ecobat helps fleets beat battery issues
Independent distributor Ecobat Battery has highlighted the issues faced by commercial vehicle operators due to increased demands on batteries due to modern driving shift patterns.
The resulting issues with conventional starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) commercial vehicle batteries are costing fleets thousands due to expenses associated with replacing spent batteries, late delivery penalties and breakdown assistance, says the company – adding that battery failure is still the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns.
A surge in electrical demand over recent years means that conventional SLI CV batteries are failing at increased rates, says Ecobat, not just domestically but also in intercontinental operations, due to higher levels of in-cab overnighting and the associated drain on power by electrical appliances.
“Other factors, such as multiple drops that facilitate the use of the vehicle’s tail lift, which, due to key-out functions enforced by low-emission zones, are powered only by the battery, also have a dramatic effect as it continues to ‘walk down’ in charge available to such a point that starting the engine is compromised,” said John Bentley, technical sales man-ager for Ecobat Battery.
“In addition to the fact that a conventional SLI battery fails to function effectively below 20 per cent state of charge (SOC), the onset of cold weather adds another challenge and heightens the risk that operators will be faced with another callout, with the inevitable associated costs that will incur.
“The unfortunate truth is that all this inconvenience is as a direct result of relying on an unsuitable battery, incapable of operating effectively at a low SOC and therefore unable to cope with the demands of modern CV usage, with many failing in as little as six to eight months. However, there is a solution that’s both affordable and provides an extended battery service life.”
Engineered with specialist thin plate pure lead (TPPL) technology, which was first used in aerospace and the military, Odyssey AGM batteries are able to be discharged to 80 per cent of their capacity, says John – but crucially, can still start the engine, and with an inherent fast-charging capability, mean battery-related breakdowns become a very rare occurrence.
“In addition, providing twice the power and three times the life of conventional SLI batteries, they are typically lasting for four years, plus,” he continued.
“Yes, this advanced technology obviously comes with a cost. However, despite being twice the price of a conventional SLI battery, the Odyssey AGM battery alternative becomes by far the cheapest option when they consider the savings they’ll make in terms of call out costs and unprofitable downtime, as well as providing them with a minimum four-year service life, during which time it’s likely they would have had to replace their conventional SLI batteries three times.
“So, the total cost of ownership (TCO), which is the true cost to their business, is considerably reduced. We therefore welcome operators to contact us to find out more about how Odyssey TCO works out and why AGM TPPL technology is keeping truck fleets running efficiently.”
Supplying prominent brands such as Odyssey Battery, as well as Exide, Varta, Lucas and Numax, Ecobat also provides further support functions to enable businesses to consistently grow their battery sales.
Among these additional roles is highlighting the environmental responsibilities that affect both workshops and wholesalers.
Underpinning the Ecobat sales team is a 13-strong national branch network across the UK and Ireland, which the company says ensures customers benefit from excellent availability of the most prominent brands, as well as outstanding knowledge and service.
