Is an AGM battery worthwhile without automatic start-stop technology?

AGM batteries primarily utilize their high performance in combination with start-stop technology. However, the strengths of an AGM battery can also be used even if there is no start-stop system on board: This technology provides larger power reserves, from which conventional vehicles can also benefit, e.g. due to a longer service life of the battery.

Encapsulated AGM batteries are maintenance free and leak-proof, as the electrolyte of an AGM battery is bound in an absorbent separator made of glass fibers. No battery acid can escape, even if the battery is damaged. This prevents subsequent damage to the bodywork (e.g. rust) or other adjacent components.

Advantages of switching to an AGM battery

 As well as the advantages which have already been mentioned, there are other reasons to upgrade to an AGM battery. The following circumstances make replacement with an AGM battery advisable:

• Large numbers of short trips of less than 10 km or with an annual mileage of less than 10,000 km do not allow the alternator enough time to adequately recharge the battery. Each time the battery is not recharged to the full SOC (State of Charge) the harder it makes it for the battery to start the vehicle the next time.
• If the vehicle is only used on a seasonal basis, an older conventional starter battery can discharge prematurely. This is especially the case if there are unfavorable conditions at the storage location and the charge is not maintained with a battery charger. An AGM battery can withstand long standstill times better, as with this technology, layering cannot occur in the electrolyte which is bound in the separator, so that there is less sulfurization. This means that an AGM battery is easier to recharge than a wet battery after a long standstill period.
• An AGM battery can also withstand extreme external temperatures and has large power reserves. A conventional starter battery responds to great heat and cold with a rapid decrease in capacity and discharges faster.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a large number of non-standard electrical devices, which have an increased power consumption, e.g. a sophisticated sound system, the AGM battery provides the vehicle with the necessary power, which a conventional wet battery cannot provide.

AGM Batteries – The first choice for light commercial vehicles

• In commercial use, vehicles are often used for multiple shift operation. An AGM battery can withstand the higher loads in multiple shift operation better than a normal starter battery.

Urban trucks are also often provided with electrically powered components and special equipment. A conventional starter battery quickly reaches its limits and deteriorates due to decomposition of the active material which is relevant for its capacity. Due to the special design of the cells and a special mixture for the active material, an AGM battery can withstand more and deeper charging cycles than a conventional battery.

• Urban deliveries and taxis often primarily involve short journeys – in all kinds of weather. An AGM battery starts the vehicle reliably and also meets the demands of commercial operation.

Automatic start-stop systems are more effective with an AGM battery

Vehicles with simple start-stop systems without recovery of braking energy (recuperation) are usually equipped with an EFB battery. However, even in this case, replacement with an AGM battery is worthwhile: The start-stop technology operates reliably and without malfunctions. Last but not least, AGM batteries impress with their high load capacity: Over its entire service life, an AGM battery has a better charge acceptance than an EFB battery.

Upgrade quick-check

• Does the vehicle have extensive electronic equipment?
• Is the vehicle equipped with additional, retrofitted electronic devices?
• Are devices, e.g. mobile phones, often charged in the vehicle?
• Do you often drive under extreme weather conditions?
• Do you often drive short distances or are often in traffic queues?
• Would you be prepared to pay more for a product with a better long-term benefit (service life)?

If you have answered any of these questions with “yes”, an upgrade to an AGM is recommended.

Did you know?

Start-stop technology equipped with an EFB battery only switches off the engine in 39%* of all cases in comparison with an AGM battery. The combination of an AGM battery and a start-stop system is economical, powerful and dependable.

*Clarios study