Wendy de Clercq, Probe Group
Choosing the right battery for your vehicle is essential, especially as vehicles become more advanced and energy-reliant. Upgrading from a standard flooded battery to an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery could significantly enhance performance, reliability, and efficiency. But when is an upgrade necessary, and which battery type offers the best solution for your needs?
This guide will help you understand the benefits of these advanced batteries and when an upgrade would be worth it.
Ideal for start-stop systems
Idling in gridlocked traffic is a huge waste of petrol, and money. Very soon, almost all new cars will have environmentally-friendly stop-start technology. This brings down fuel consumption and harmful emissions by automatically stopping and starting the engine – reducing the time engines spend idling. Fuel savings from stop-start technology can be as high as 12 percent; the longer you sit, the more you gain.
An enormous amount of power is needed to ignite the engine. So, if you keep doing this over short bursts and in low-speed drives, such as when you’re sitting in a traffic jam, you need a heavy-duty performer. ​ Automotive AGM and EFB batteries are an evolution of the lead-acid battery to deal with the extra power and thermal requirements in a stop-start environment.
Vehicles equipped with start-stop technology rely on frequent engine cycling, which puts strain on the battery. Both EFB and AGM batteries are specifically designed to handle these cycles, ensuring reliable performance and a longer lifespan. Using a conventional battery instead of an EFB in a stop-start system can cause battery failure within 2 to 4 months.
On average, EFB batteries have double the life-cycle of normal lead-acid batteries, while AGM batteries provide more than triple the life-cycle, making them a solid investment when you have to replace your battery.
Supporting high electrical demands:
Modern vehicles come equipped with a variety of electronic systems, such as infotainment units, heated seats, and advanced lighting. Both EFB and AGM batteries are built to support these power-intensive features, providing consistent energy and a longer lifespan.
Enhanced vibration and shock resistance:
AGM batteries offer superior resistance to shocks and vibrations, thanks to their unique design. The electrolyte is absorbed into glass mats rather than existing as a free liquid, allowing the mats to act as dampers between the lead plates. This compressed packing minimizes movement and vibrations to nearly zero, making these batteries exceptionally durable. For commercial vehicles, this level of reliability is an invaluable advantage.
Suitability for hot climates:
Heat can become a challenge for batteries, leading to faster degradation in many standard flooded types. EFB batteries, however, are designed to perform exceptionally well in high-temperature environments, offering better thermal stability and charge efficiency.
Handling long inactive periods or short trips:
If your vehicle is often left unused or used for short commutes, it’s likely the battery doesn’t fully recharge, leading to sulfation and other performance issues. AGM batteries stand out in these scenarios because they are resistant to sulfation and acid stratification. This resilience ensures better charging efficiency and retention, even with sporadic use.
EFB batteries also have a greater ability to withstand deeper discharge and operate effectively under lower states of charge than traditional lead-acid batteries.
Key differences between EFB and AGM batteries
Both EFB and AGM batteries represent significant improvements over conventional flooded batteries, but they differ in their technologies and applications. ​ EFB batteries are a budget-friendly upgrade, offering better performance than standard flooded batteries, though they still share some of the same limitations. On the other hand, AGM batteries, with their non-liquid electrolyte, provide a range of advantages and are the top choice for those seeking a high-quality lead-acid battery.
- Performance and cost:Â EFB batteries are an upgrade from standard flooded batteries, providing better longevity and performance at a relatively lower cost. AGM batteries, however, deliver superior performance, particularly for high-demand applications, but come with a higher price tag. This is because AGM batteries have a more specialised design and use more expensive materials, leading to higher production costs. While increased manufacturing scale has reduced their price over the years, they remain more expensive than traditional flooded and EFB batteries.
- Charging requirements:Â AGM batteries require specific charging settings and recalibration in vehicles with Battery Management Systems (BMS) to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage. Compared to traditional flooded and EFB batteries, AGM batteries are less capable of handling high voltages and overcharging. If not charged correctly, they are more prone to damage, which can shorten their lifespan. To prevent this, chargers used for AGM batteries must include a specific AGM setting.
- Compatibility: It’s crucial to replace an existing battery with the same technology or upgrade to a compatible AGM battery. For example, replacing an EFB battery with a standard flooded battery may result in reduced efficiency.AGM batteries are considered a drop-in replacement for traditional lead-acid batteries in most newer vehicles, as the charging voltages are almost identical. With lower internal resistance, AGM batteries can be charged at a much faster rate. This isn’t a concern, as most vehicle wiring is designed to handle the maximum rated output of the alternator. While installation is mostly similar between the two battery types, some vehicles—those with a Battery Sensor Module or a similar system—will require a battery recalibration using a scan tool when the battery is replaced. Without this recalibration, the alternator may overcharge the new battery, leading to early failure.
Is upgrading worth it?
Upgrading to an EFB or AGM battery is a smart choice for vehicles with higher electrical demands, specific driving conditions, or start-stop technology. These batteries offer better performance, longevity, and reliability that align with the needs of today’s drivers.
Probe’s ranges of EFB and AGM batteries are designed to meet the varied demands of modern drivers. With Probe – you’re going to get high cycling performance, improved charge acceptance and a long service life. Whether you drive a start-stop vehicle in urban environments or need a power solution that can endure the extremes of heat and inactivity, Probe offers the perfect fit. With a proven track record in the energy storage market, Probe ensures premium performance for all its customers.
Contact us now: ‪+27 11 453 0924‬ or via email on probe@probegroup.co.za
