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There is never a good time for a battery to fail, and when it comes to rescue or patrol vehicles—battery reliability is critically important. Additionally, it’s not just a matter of starting. With today’s accessory-loaded vehicles, municipal fleet managers know it’s imperative to choose wisely when selecting the right battery for their vehicles to avoid the unwanted scenario of emergency replacement.
Thoroughly understanding the strengths and limitations of different battery chemistries, as well as the demands of a specific application, is key to making the best possible battery choice. Let’s take a look at some of the common scenarios that challenge batteries in first responder vehicles and how ODYSSEY® batteries are engineered to meet those demands by delivering dependable, long-lasting performance.
Police Cars
In addition to the standard electrical devices found on most vehicles, a police cruiser may be equipped with many more onboard accessories that can put strain on the battery, including one or more two-way radios, computers, Audio/Visual (A/V) recording equipment, speed detectors, lights, sirens, plate scanners, Global Positioning System (GPS), as well as tracking systems. Additionally, high-impact shock and extreme vibration placed on the vehicle during a high-speed chase or off-road pursuit could also put the battery at risk.
Ambulance Vehicles
The electrical demands of an ambulance are even greater than those placed upon police vehicles. Ambulances typically utilize more than one battery to provide adequate power and backup protection. Accessories must continue to function while the vehicle is idling or even if the engine is turned off.
Critical onboard accessories will include most of what a police cruiser carries, as well as a mobile data terminal, a tail lift, trauma lighting, a separate air conditioning system, data recorders, patient monitoring systems and additional life saving devices like a defibrillator and other mobile intensive care and rescue equipment.
ODYSSEY® batteries: An Excellent Choice for Emergency Vehicles
Choosing the right battery can provide clear advantages for fleet managers who are seeking performance and reliability while maximizing value. Non-spillable, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) ODYSSEY® batteries are manufactured with proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology and offer many advantages compared to conventional flooded lead acid batteries including:
- Virtually maintenance-free, watering is not needed
- Slower self-discharge rates, less corrosion and faster recharging than alternative battery chemistries
- Rugged, AGM construction and non-spillable design protect against high-impact shock and mechanical vibration, helping to provide longer service life
- Can perform in extreme weather conditions at temperatures as low as -40°F
(-40°C) to as high as 176°F (80°C) - Deep cycle capability
- Massive starting power with engine cranking pulses – double that of equally sized conventional lead acid batteries
- Three times the life of conventional lead acid batteries
This year, EnerSys® marks 25 years of ODYSSEY® battery production. To follow the ODYSSEY® battery 25th Anniversary journey, 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, 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 recent 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.