Things to Consider When Purchasing a Commercial Vehicle Battery

When managing an entire fleet of vehicles, the selection of commercial vehicle batteries involves distinct considerations compared to choosing batteries for personal vehicles. Opting for commercial batteries for your fleet necessitates balancing cost-effectiveness with reliability across multiple vehicles used daily.

During the search for commercial vehicle batteries, focusing solely on cost isn't enough. It's essential to take into account eight critical factors to ensure the selection of the most suitable batteries for your fleet.

How Do Commercial Vehicle Batteries Differ?

Commercial vehicle batteries are tailored to meet distinct performance demands. Unlike the daily use of batteries in lighter personal vehicles, those in commercial vehicles must start heavy semi-trucks or sustain power for extended periods, such as for a day on a road. The frequency of long-distance travel or prolonged periods of inactivity, contingent upon the business, necessitates batteries with specific functionalities that vary from those in personal cars.

Many commercial vehicle batteries feature larger and thicker lead plates to accommodate higher power requirements. Vehicles equipped with sleeper cabs or numerous electrical accessories demand commercial batteries built to endure substantial power drains. Compared to batteries designed for personal cars, commercial batteries are often bulkier and heavier, primarily because they require larger plates to provide power to larger vehicles equipped with a broader array of electrical accessories.

Selecting the Suitable Commercial Vehicle Battery

Overseeing a vehicle fleet entails substantial responsibility. Ensuring the vehicles are safe and operational for drivers and customers alike necessitates choosing a battery capable of delivering the required power. Besides, considerations regarding safety features and performance in adverse weather conditions are crucial for the seamless operation of the vehicle.

When the time comes to replace a battery in a commercial vehicle, several key factors should be taken into account:

1. Power Requirements:

The power demands of commercial vehicles vary widely. Managing a fleet of small trucks or rental cars differs significantly from needing a battery for a semi-truck. Selecting the appropriate commercial vehicle battery hinges on the power needs. Common types include:

Flooded Lead-Acid:

• Flooded lead-acid battery is ideal for providing a robust initial energy burst, suitable for vehicles like day cabs of semi-trucks and heavy-duty vehicles that stop frequently.

  
  

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM):

• AGM battery is popular for newer vehicles and those with energy-demanding accessories like sleeper cabs, offering solid-state electrolyte storage and suitability for marine use.

Assessing a battery's power involves checking its Reserve Capacity (RC), measuring its storage capacity and ability to provide 25 amps at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit before reaching the vehicle's minimum voltage. RC typically ranges from about 45 to 470 for commercial batteries. Higher RC is advantageous for vehicles with numerous energy-consuming accessories like radios, lights, GPS, etc.

2. Vehicle Types:

Choosing a battery depends on the specific vehicle requirements. Swapping a battery type, such as replacing a commercial AGM battery with a flooded lead-acid one, should be avoided. However, some vehicles with flooded lead-acid batteries can upgrade to AGM. Consult the vehicle manual for battery voltage and mounting instructions to ensure compatibility.

3. Cost:

Managing multiple vehicles entails purchasing batteries on a larger scale, impacting expenses. Flooded lead-acid batteries are generally cheaper upfront, but AGM batteries might last two to three times longer, affecting overall costs.

4. Lifespan and Maintenance:

Longevity affects total lifetime costs and downtime. AGM batteries often provide about double the number of engine starts compared to flooded lead-acid batteries, reducing downtime and maintenance needs. Flooded lead-acid batteries require more frequent electrolyte refilling, demanding more maintenance than AGM.

5. Weather:

Consider the vehicles' parking conditions, storage during off-seasons, and daily operation in different weather conditions. Commercial vehicle batteries can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.

These considerations play a vital role in ensuring the selection of the most suitable commercial vehicle battery for your fleet, enhancing performance, minimizing downtime, and optimizing overall operational efficiency.

Seek batteries equipped with additional thermal protection features. Evaluate the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating, indicating the sustained amperage the battery can maintain for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher CCA ratings ensure better starting capability in cold temperatures. Heavy-duty fleet vehicles typically require batteries with around 800 to 1,000 CCA for optimal performance in chilly conditions.

6. Safety:

Prioritize safety when managing a vehicle fleet. Ensuring driver safety is crucial, and any battery-related issues could pose liability concerns for the company. Proper maintenance and handling of batteries are essential for safety. AGM batteries, storing electrolytes in a solid state, minimize spillage and are more resistant to vibrations, enhancing safety measures.

7. Warranty Coverage:

Evaluate warranty options to safeguard against premature malfunctions or underperformance. Commercial vehicle batteries endure substantial wear and tear, usually offering one-year warranties. Longer warranties provide extended protection but may impact the battery's cost.

These factors play a pivotal role in choosing commercial vehicle batteries, ensuring enhanced performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness for your fleet.

Shopping for Commercial Vehicle Batteries with Confidence

Purchasing commercial vehicle batteries is a critical investment impacting driver safety, customer satisfaction, company productivity, and revenue. Unlike buying a replacement battery for a personal car, selecting a battery for commercial use involves additional considerations encompassing budget, safety features, and performance. Fortunately, by evaluating factors such as power, vehicle type, cost, lifespan, maintenance, weather durability, safety features, and warranty coverage, you can confidently find the ideal battery for each of your commercial vehicles.