A look at the Odyssey Connect monitoring system
Smart technology is significantly improving efficiency, safety and sustainability across the transportation industry, and EnerSys is leading the charge in shaping the future of battery management with its Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system. CVW hears more.
This AGM battery, the Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system, features a built-in sensor, which enables users to view battery status and real-time data on any smart device. It also provides up to the minute information on the battery’s true condition, allowing fleet operators to access a wealth of data at their fingertips, including:
State of charge (SOC): data is captured and highlighted in a graph showing 20 per cent increments over a six-day period.
State of health (SOH): data can be viewed to pro-actively monitor battery health highs, lows and warnings, which may require action.
Voltage and temperature: the battery monitoring system highlights the previous six days of battery voltage and temperature in a combined graph.
Battery history: the system captures and analyses battery operating parameter history from the first day of usage.
Fleet managers can also receive warnings and safety notifications to flag up any potential issues, which may need attention. In addition, there is an option to review battery trends to help identify performance anomalies.
“Batteries play a crucial role in keeping vehicles on the road, and the Odyssey Connect battery monitoring system from EnerSys is already becoming a game changer for the transportation and logistics industry, where reliability is key,” said Tom Spinks, transportation product manager at EnerSys.
“The Odyssey Connect monitoring system is a smart investment for operators looking to improve fleet efficiency. This technology enables users to access real-time information on battery status from day one, which can enhance productivity and deliver uninterruptible power for a lower total cost of ownership. This means less worrying about vehicle downtime for operators and more focus on core business objectives.”
Key benefits
Enhanced performance and reliability – designed to provide real-time data on battery status, the battery monitoring system alerts users to any areas of concern, allowing fleet managers and engineers to identify and deal with any potential issues before they arise. This means the necessary action can be taken to avoid the cost and inconvenience of failing batteries and unexpected vehicle downtime.
Reduced risk of no starts in cold weather – heavy duty vehicles need twice as much energy to operate when the temperature falls below freezing, which is why weak or damaged batteries are often unable to provide enough power to start the engine on icy mornings. In cold weather, the average battery can lose up to 60 per cent of its cranking power, which impacts on the engine starting properly. Odyssey batteries aim to provide the highest level of cold cranking amps (CCA) available to help get the engine going every time, so no starts on winter mornings become one less concern for operators.
Power to support high electrical demands – hotel loading and double driver shift patterns can often cause conventional vehicle batteries in heavy-duty vehicles to fail due to continuous use and depletion of available onboard energy. This can lead to vehicle breakdowns, disruption to delivery schedules and reduced productivity. The dual-purpose Odyssey Battery aims to operate as two batteries in one, providing exceptional cranking power to start the engine, whilst delivering superb deep cycle capacity to keep auxiliary loads such as heating, lighting and power sockets operating efficiently.
Longer Lifespan – Odyssey batteries are engineered for longevity. They are said to last up to three times longer than traditional lead acid batteries, which require regular maintenance and more frequent replacements, incurring significant costs and logistical challenges. Thanks to a sealed AGM design, they are virtually maintenance free and never require watering.
Reduced total cost of ownership – while the initial investment in the Odyssey connect battery monitoring system may be higher than a traditional battery, the longterm savings are undeniable. The extended lifespan, combined with lower maintenance costs and a reduced risk of unexpected vehicle downtime leads to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). A battery upgrade is a smart investment for operators looking to improve their bottom line.
Odyssey batteries are engineered using absorbed glass mat (AGM) thin plate pure lead (TPPL) technology to provide the performance of two separate batteries in one package. They also all deliver massive deep cycle performance, as well as exceptional cranking power to start the engine every time, even in extreme temperatures.
For a chance to win an Odyssey Battery backpack, filled with branded goodies including a beanie hat, T-shirt, fleece, travel mug and keyring, click here. (Deadline for entries is 15/04/25)
