Revive discharged cells
Battery charger from CTEK
Published: 24 July, 2014
The Multi XS 25000 Extended is a rather clunky name for a nifty 25A smart battery charger from CTEK. It uses an eight-stage process to condition and charge any lead-acid battery. It comes with six metre cables and connects to the battery in situ. It is automatic, spark proof and protects against reverse-polarity. A Supply mode acts as a secure 12V power source, supporting the battery during diagnostic work or if it needs to be disconnected from the vehicle. A 'Recond' mode restores deeply discharged batteries which would otherwise be discarded.
- Smart chargers
The full range of smart battery chargers from CTEK will be showcased which are designed to ensure any 12V or 24V battery is optimally conditioned, charged and maintained. A number of products will also be announced at the show
- OE range now available
Exide's range of Start-Stop batteries are now available to the aftermarket and include all the same features as its existing OE line. The AGM battery delivers four times the cycle life, 20% more power and three times greater charge acceptance than a standard type. It achieves this by using advanced lead-tin alloys, high-surface glass mat separators and special carbon additives. The new Exide EFB battery has similar advantages. Meanwhile, its conventional Carbon Boost batteries, pictured here, are designed to recharge up to 1.5 times faster and deliver 30% more starting power, resulting from a breakthrough in the company's research of carbon boost technology.
- Portable Power
Today's smartphones have a habit of draining their batteries quicker than a technician can drain a sump. Therefore being away from a power point can sometimes lead to a bout of anxiety when the device flashes up a low battery warning. People who are always out and about, in meetings, visiting clients, on days out, are the ones most at need of a portable charging pack. Battery manufacturer Varta now offers a range designed for the most common smartphones. The PowerPhone 800 comes with a Micro USB, iPhone 30-pin or iPhone Lightning adaptors each as separate units. It offers 150 minutes extra talk time through its 800mAH Li-Ion battery and can be attached to car keys to keep it near.
- Conventional batteries boosted by new tech
The new Exide Premium battery will now charge up to 1.5 times faster thanks to Carbon Boost technology which was developed for its Start Stop AGM and EFB batteries. The carbon additives improve charge acceptance and significantly reduce charging times. A build-up of sulphate particles occurs on the negative plates of standard batteries during discharge but these carbon additives improve the conductivity, dissolving the sulphates more quickly and improving charging performance. Premium Carbon Boost batteries are ideal for cars with powerful engines and a multitude of electrical equipment. They suit urban driving with frequent stops and short journeys, providing 30% more starting power.
- Original battery spec
Five models now feature in the Power Bull Pro range from Banner Batteries, covering over 80% of the European car parc. The units are made in Austria on the same track fulfilling OE orders and are made to full car manufacturers' specifications. The firm says installers can be assured that the batteries will match exactly the car's original battery spec and deliver the same capacity, starting performance and cyclic durability.