A solution to 12v battery issues
Ring Automotive is urging operators of hybrid and electric vehicles to keep an eye on the humble 12v battery and offers a few solutions to keep out of trouble.
A recent report from Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has revealed that 12v batteries in a variety of electric vans are not good enough and need to improve.
Paul Hollick, APF chair, said that despite widespread publicity, many fleets were still being left in a position where their vans become unusable and had to be taken back to a dealership to be restarted.
He explained: “The fundamental problem here is that when an electric van is left unused for a couple of weeks, the 12v battery charges down and it becomes impossible to start or recharge the vehicle. There is no choice but to return it to the franchise dealer and even then, it can often take weeks to resolve the problem.”
This is a clear issue that needs to be resolved at the source with the manufacturer, however in the meantime, Ring is urging fleet managers and workshops, as well as every other electric vehicle or hybrid owner, to keep an eye on the health of the battery and charge it if necessary.
As all electric vehicles have a humble 12v battery, if it goes flat, regardless how charged the main battery is, the vehicle won’t start and it may mean that drivers will not be able to access their vehicle. To avoid this stress, Ring has a range of smartchargers available for every need.
Jump to it
One of the most popular smartchargers in the professional range is the RSCP3024, which is a 30A smart battery charger with multiple charge rate settings. It’s a complete battery support unit, suitable for 12v and 24v vehicles, and all battery chemistry types, including lithium. It’s slimline and light, which makes it ideal for intensive use with fleets of mixed vehicles, in garages, workshops and showroom environments.
Smart charge technology, which optimises battery performance and improves the ability to hold charge, is required for stop/start, which are found in EVs and PHEVs. Two dedicated charging curves, seven stage for lithium batteries and nine stage for all other chemistries, enhances the battery performance
If the battery is flat and needs a jumpstart, Ring’s professional jumpstarter will be able to quickly assist with this. The Ring RPPL1000 lithium professional jump starter is ideal with its builtin LED work light to allow use in darker conditions, as well as a safety function (SOS) and weighs only 2kg, which is 75% lighter than equivalent lead acid jumpstarters. This makes it more mobile and easier to use in any situation, be that in a garage environment, out on the road or for fleets, and as a result is popular with mechanics and technicians.
