September 27, 2018: Exide Technologies has launched a VRLA gel battery for its truck range, the battery giant announced on September 20.

The Endurance+ PRO GEL battery technology, an original Sonnenschein (Exide brand) invention, has been specifically engineered to cope with extreme cycling, the company says.

“GEL batteries have more electrolyte than AGM batteries. If there is a very deep discharge, there is a risk of reducing the electrolyte to a very low level of density,” said Michael Geiger, VP sales and marketing — EMEA.

“As GEL batteries have a higher quantity of acid to fully cover the active materials, their deep discharge density remains a bit higher. When the level of the electrolyte drops down, the risk of lead solubility occurs.

“This is particularly true in deep discharge conditions which, on the subsequent recharge, could be reconverted to metallic lead in the battery separator’s holes and grow there — causing short circuits.

“A jellified electrolyte in a matrix that doesn’t move avoids stratification issues, which is the performance killer for flooded batteries when deeply discharged multiple times.”

Geiger says the main technical feature of the battery is its cycling performance, which is designed to match the particular needs of trucks.

“With end customers expecting ever faster, more reliable deliveries, managing the total cost of ownership of their assets and minimizing the risk of breakdowns has never been more crucial for commercial vehicle operators.

“In particular, overnight amenities for sleep-overs in trucks are becoming an increasingly essential requirement. With this battery, the risk of an exhausted battery after a night on board is radically reduced.”

Because the batteries are sealed with internal gas recombination, there is negligible external gassing or water loss, which means minimal stratification issues, Geiger said.

Extra carbon additives in the battery’s negative plate also reduce sulfation, Geiger said.

“The cycling endurance demands of many long-haul delivery trucks have grown enormously,” he said. “Cranking-focused batteries are no longer the answer. We are therefore very excited to introduce our new batteries for high-consumption vehicles that also contribute to operators’ peace of mind.”