Batteries have come a long way, since their casings were made from wood, but technicians need to know how EFB and AGM batteries differ in requirements to the traditional SLI types.
Give replacement batteries a bright future With battery sales predicted to remain buoyant throughout 2021, Rob Marshall provides an overview of relatively recent battery developments, while focussing on testing and maintenance advice Despite today's 12 volt batteries inheriting the same basic lead-acid principles that were discovered over 160 years ago, numerous minor developments have occurred to increase their lifespans, boost charge acceptance, enhance output and be less maintenance intensive. Many of these changes have continued unnoticed by drivers and technicians alike. This tended not to have any significant consequences, until recently.
“From the beginning of 2021, a volume carmakers' range has had to achieve an average CO2 figure of 95g/km, with large fines resulting for every g/km over this threshold, leveraged on every car sold. No wonder, therefore, why every gramme counts for manufacturers..."
BATTERIES
Battery tech: An unnecessary complication? Technicians of all ages would have noticed the increasing prevalence of electronic equipment in cars, a trend that has little chance of slowing. While market forces have dictated ever more comfort and safety equipment, environmental pressures are also responsible for vehicle electronics becoming incredibly demanding and complex. The challenge for manufacturers
is complying with strict carbon dioxide (CO2) emission limits. CO2, after all, is a gas that is linked directly to fuel consumption: the more fuel an engine burns, the more CO2 results. This is not the same for all gases that emanate from the tailpipe, an important consideration that even some engine tuning specialists are unaware.
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