Page 26 - toptruck-magazine

ON THE ROAD, FLEET TESTS CONFIRM
THE RELIABILITY OF THE VARTA®
PROMOTIVE EFB

Since Johnson Controls launched its new truck battery, the VARTA Promotive EFB,
in 2014, numerous fleets have been equipped with the batteries. Furthermore,
the leading European truck manufacturers put the VARTA EFB to the test to compare
its performance and lifetime against standard truck batteries.
Those are no longer able to handle today’s energy demands and often fail
after several months. We talked with Thorsten Werle, design lead engineering
for trucks at Johnson Controls, to gain some insights into the fleet tests.

Mr. Werle, why there was a need for Do you have other proof points or charge acceptance and increases
the VARTA Promotive EFB? experiences from the market? service life by greatly reducing acid
There are new safety regulations for Yes, another truck manufacturer stratification. We also have injec-
truck drivers and that distances are equipped their whole fleet with VARTA tion-molded supports and an addition-
becoming longer and longer. That Promotive EFB batteries in May 2014. al connector fixation which withstands
means truck drivers are spending five The results confirm that this battery even the toughest conditions on the
nights per week on the road. That’s lasts up to 36 months — depending road. An additional polyester scrim and
why trucks are heavily equipped with on user behavior. glass mat separator ensure excellent
entertainment devices, well-equipped adhesion of the grid to the mass. This
kitchens, etc. An overnight stay Do you mean the driver can influence means the mass is surrounded by a
requires approximately 50 percent of the battery’s lifetime? special mat so that it does not detach.
the battery’s capacity. It was time to Yes, really easily — it’s down to driver
develop a battery that could handle behavior. While older truck drivers leave Leading to a longer cycle life?
those hoteling functions and bring all their truck during their break, as they Compared to conventional batteries,
the needed power. Additionally, we are meeting other truck drivers, young yes. Tests show that five out of
needed a vibration-resistant battery drivers stay in their trucks watching six selected batteries are not suffi-
for end-of-frame installations of truck movies and charging their smart- ciently vibration-resistant. The VARTA
batteries. So we developed the new phones. So young truck drivers often Promotive EFB is unaffected by vibra-
VARTA Promotive EFB. have higher energy consumption dur- tions. Our technology provides up to 40
ing their break than older truck drivers. percent longer life. Also, because the
Last time, we learned that the leading labyrinth cover design was especially
European truck manufacturers agreed So the fleet operators need to ask the developed by VARTA, it provides com-
to test and validate the performance younger drivers to use fewer electronic plete protection against leaks, even
of your battery. How did the batteries devices? when tilted by up to 90 degrees. And
perform? Not at all. The VARTA Promotive EFB it is completely maintenance-free; i.e.
We put a lot of effort into the develop- can even handle the high demand of a it is not necessary to top up the water
ment of our Truck EFB batteries to sleeper cab and a young driver. But it over the battery lifetime.
create a product with a truly unique can make sense to pass on a few tips
technology that meets the very highest that will extend the battery life. The Is the VARTA Promotive EFB also
OEM requirements in this field. And electronic devices should be charged suitable for other applications?
we are glad to say, that it worked out. while driving when the battery is also Buses and municipal vehicles, tractors,
being recharged. forestry and construction equipment
Which means? are also profiting from this unique
3 years ago, 50 trucks of a leading What makes your battery that unique? technology.
European truck manufacturer — with The result of the joint development
the most modern hoteling functions — with the leading truck manufactur- Johnson Controls Power Solutions EMEA
were equipped with the VARTA Truck ers is a truly unique technology that
EFB battery. Those trucks are on the meets the very highest OEM require- Johnson Controls Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaA
road from Monday until Friday. And ments for end-of-frame installation. Am Leineufer 51 · D - 30419 Hannover
up until today, there have been zero The patented mixing element exclu-
battery failures. sively developed by VARTA optimizes Tel.: +49 511 975 02 · Fax: +49 511 975 1680
info@varta-automotive.com
www.varta-automotive.com

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