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Snowmobiling is an exciting sport filled with its own set of challenges. However, no one wants the challenge of being stranded in deep snow and freezing cold weather because of a failed battery. Even worse, being stranded in a location where there is no immediate assistance available. It’s important to equip your snowmobile with a powerful, rugged battery that’s up to the challenges of extreme weather conditions.
Let’s explore the different chemistries available to energize powersports vehicles, such as a winter snowmobile, to see which battery is right for you.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries tend to have a higher upfront cost than alternative chemistries. They’re smaller, lighter and recharge easily. However, they typically do not provide as much power as other batteries, especially in cold temperatures; and don’t charge in freezing temperatures.
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Conventional flooded lead acid batteries are usually the least expensive option available but have many downfalls for this type of vehicle application. For starters, flooded lead acid batteries generally have a higher rate of self-discharge. Extremes in temperature can also dramatically affect the battery’s performance. Physical maintenance and human intervention are mandatory for proper operation, such as adding water to the battery and cleaning away corrosion after extended use. This type of battery is not the most robust, with cases and covers not built to withstand the severe shock and vibration dished out during an exhilarating snowmobile ride. If the battery case cracks, acid could leak from the battery. Excessive vibration can damage the battery’s internal components.
Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are a great choice for snowmobiles. These batteries withstand extreme temperatures, making them an excellent option for cold, snowy climates. They feature rugged construction, they’re non-spillable and are shock and vibration resistant. However, not all AGM batteries are the same. It’s wise to choose an AGM battery with an appropriate Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) to give you adequate power to start your engine.
Thin Plate Pure Lead Technology
EnerSys® takes the benefits of AGM batteries a step further with its advanced portfolio of ODYSSEY® powersports batteries, engineered with proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology. The pure lead electrode plates in an ODYSSEY® battery can be made thinner so that more plates will fit than in a comparably sized conventional lead acid battery. The additional plates provide as much as 15 percent greater surface area, increasing the electrochemical reactions with the electrolyte. The result is significantly higher cranking power. Maintenance-free ODYSSEY® powersports batteries never require watering and are backed with an industry-leading warranty for added customer protection. The AGM construction of ODYSSEY® batteries—tightly compressed lead plates housed in a rugged outer case—makes them extremely shock and vibration resistant. For snowmobile rough riders, that’s important, as you never know what kind of terrain you will encounter along the way.
When it’s time to purchase a battery for your snowmobile, make sure you consider more than just price. Go with a battery that’s fully capable to take on all the challenges the sport of snowmobiling can dish out as well as all the fun!
To follow the latest ODYSSEY® battery news, visit our website at www.odysseybattery.com or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook by using the hashtag #MYODYSSEY.
ABOUT ENERSYS®
EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, designs, manufactures, and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. The company goes to market through four lines of business: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which combine power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and enclosures, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for various applications including demand charge reduction, utility back-up power, and dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
Sustainability
Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: https://www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/.