Today, over 90 percent of all new vehicles are equipped with a start-stop system to save fuel. To meet the increased loads, battery manufacturers reacted with modern technology and special starter batteries.
Every engine starting process requires a high amount of energy for the car battery. The energy required is high, particularly in modern vehicles with automatic start-stop systems, where the engine is switched off and restarted frequently. Not least because electrical consumers such as radio, light or windscreen wipers still need electricity.
High loads
The general load also increases due to continuous discharging and charging. Cold weather conditions and short distances place particularly high demands on the battery. This is because the battery charge is reduced in winter. If the vehicle also travels mainly short distances, where the battery cannot be fully recharged, the battery will gradually discharge.
EFB batteries with high energy requirements and simpler start-stop system
EFB batteries are used where the energy requirements are high, but the start-stop systems are simpler: The EFB battery (EFB = Enhanced Flooded Battery) is a further development of the conventional lead-acid battery. The EFB battery has double the cycle service life compared with the conventional lead-acid battery.
AGM batteries, particularly with high energy requirements and recuperation
AGM batteries (AGM = Absorbent Glass Mat) are used in particular for vehicles with a start-stop system with high energy requirements and brake energy recovery (recuperation). The AGM battery is characterised by a high cold start current. With an AGM battery, the engine can be switched off several times at short intervals and restarted without any problems occurring when starting up again. With their modern technology, EFB and AGM batteries are clearly superior to conventional batteries: While conventional batteries can deliver between 20,000 and 50,000 starts, an EFB battery can manage up to 270,000 starts and an AGM battery even achieves up to 360,000 starts.
Incidentally: If a car is equipped with an AGM battery as standard, it must also be replaced with an AGM battery. The same applies to EFB batteries: If the car is equipped with an EFB battery as standard, it should be replaced with an EFB battery. It may also be replaced with an AGM battery if necessary.
And if an external power source is required, the Flash CS70 battery charger from Herth+Buss is also suitable for start-stop batteries. This is particularly useful for diagnostic work and flash processes, as this prevents damage to the control unit.