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Choosing the Right Battery for Your Snowmobile

You may think of a snowmobile as a fun ride in winter or as a lifeline to locations that are otherwise inaccessible from accumulated snow. Either way, a snowmobile and its component parts must be reliable in frigid conditions.

Some version of motor vehicle transportation on snow has existed since the early part of the 20th century, with innovations in efficiency, performance and sustainability continuing to the present day. For example, the snowmobile, a vehicle used for commercial, municipal and recreational purposes, has been available for more than 80 years, and throughout the decades, has been upgraded to enhance the driver experience and optimize overall performance. Some of these latest features include the addition of onboard accessories, like GPS and radio communication devices (in case emergency assistance is needed), as well as advanced engines for maximum productivity. The battery allows these vehicle components to perform their services, so choosing the right power solution for your snowmobile is critical to operation.

As a vehicle designed specifically for use in winter weather, a snowmobile must tolerate demanding environments. Its components, including the battery, must be dependable in low temperatures and rough conditions. Using premium Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, like ODYSSEY® batteries from EnerSys®, provide greater durability and power than conventional lead acid batteries. They are sealed and are therefore non-spillable and leakproof, as well as built to resist the shock and vibration commonly encountered when traveling on snow. Additionally, ODYSSEY® batteries can perform in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).

ODYSSEY® batteries employ Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology. The plates are made with pure lead, which enables them to be thinner so that more can fit into the same battery footprint. The additional surface area increases the chemical reactions with the electrolyte, which generate twice the overall power and three times the life of conventional batteries at up to 400 cycles at 80 percent Depth of Discharge (DOD). They can be stored for two years at temperatures of 77°F (25°C) or lower, are backed by an industry-leading warranty and feature a three- to 10-year service life.

Whether you’re on the job patrolling on a snowmobile or riding for fun, it’s important to use a battery that you can depend upon to help provide consistent power and withstand repeated impact at low temperatures. ODYSSEY® batteries have the strength and power to meet the demands of riding on snow.

ABOUT ENERSYS®

EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, 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. Energy Systems, which combine enclosures, power conversion, power distribution and energy storage, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies and numerous applications. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles requiring stored energy solutions. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. With the NorthStar acquisition, EnerSys has solidified its position as the market leader for premium Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries, which are sold across all three lines of business. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.