Automotive accessory specialist, Ring Automotive, is urging every hybrid and electric vehicle owner to have some essential products with them at all times to combat the issue of 12 volt battery failure which can lead vehicles stranded.

A recent report from Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) in the UK has revealed that 12 volt batteries in a variety of electric vans causing serious issues. Paul Hollick, APF chair, said that despite widespread publicity, many fleets were still being left in a position where their vans become unusable and had to be taken back to a dealership to be restarted.

He explained, “The fundamental problem here is that when an electric van is left unused for a couple of weeks, the 12v battery charges down and it becomes impossible to start or recharge the vehicle. There is no choice but to return it to the franchise dealer and even then, it can often take weeks to resolve the problem.”

Ring is therefore urging fleet managers, as well as every other electric vehicle or hybrid owner, to keep an eye on the health of the 12 volt battery and charge it if necessary.

As all electric vehicles have a humble 12 volt battery, if it goes flat, regardless how charged the main traction battery is, the vehicle won’t start and it may mean that drivers will not be able to access their vehicle. To avoid this stress, Ring has a range of smartchargers available for every need.

One of the most popular smartchargers in the professional range is the RSCP3024, which is a 30A smart battery charger with multiple charge rate settings. It is a complete battery support unit, suitable for 12V and 24V vehicles, and all battery chemistry types, including Lithium. It is slimline and light, which makes it ideal for intensive use with fleets of mixed vehicles, in garages, workshops and showroom environments.

Smart charge technology, which optimises battery performance and improves the ability to hold charge, is required for STOP/START, which are found in EV and PHEVs. Two dedicated charging curves, seven stage for Lithium batteries and nine stage for all other chemistries, optimises the battery performance. 

If the battery is flat and needs a jumpstart, Ring’s professional jumpstarter will be able to quickly assist with this. The Ring RPPL1000 Lithium Professional Jump Starter has a built-in LED work light to allow use in darker conditions, as well as a safety function (SOS) and weighs only 2kg, which is 75% lighter than equivalent Lead Acid jumpstarters. This makes it more mobile and easier to use in any situation, be that in a garage environment, out on the road or for fleets, and as a result is popular with mechanics and technicians

The RPPL1000 and RSCP3024 SRP are available from Ring stockists.