Research carried out by battery specialist ECOBAT Battery Technologies (EBT) has found that there is still considerable confusion in the market when it comes to battery replacement for vehicles that incorporate a start-stop function, as well as the whole subject of AGM (absorbed glass matt) batteries.

EBT point out that the predicted growth in AGM battery sales has largely failed to materialise, however, the tide now looks set to turn and garages need to be geared up for demand in what is a very different battery technology.

The reason why demand growth has been slow is that the formidable engineering of an AGM battery, designed with a high cyclic capacity and the ability to recharge extremely quickly, has been under utilised. Originally battery life was estimated at around four years with the vehicle’s start-stop system, making 350,000 engine starts, compared with the 30,000 expected by a standard (SLI) battery. However, because many systems have been deactivated the battery is under used and so lasts longer. Therefore, despite the fact that start-stop systems have been around for well over a decade and are fitted to an increasing majority of new vehicles, many workshops are yet to see serious replacement work.

EBT say this is now changing and technicians in particular need to be prepared, because they will be at the frontline as AGM and EFB (enhanced flooded battery) batteries come into play. Replacing them with a traditional Starting Lighting Ignition battery is not an option, as they are simply not fit for purpose. If an SLI battery is fitted it is likely to cause ECU issues.

Start-stop batteries also take much longer to replace, require special tools, such as a battery validation device and have fitting procedures that need to be followed to prevent their premature failure. This means technicians need to fully understand the challenges in order to benefit from the opportunities these batteries present.

The AGM/EFB revolution has the potential to herald a bright and profitable future for workshops, because in conjunction with a customer service orientated, vehicle by vehicle battery testing regime, they can benefit from the extra labour time required to undertake their replacement and the higher margin these batteries provide.