Batteries and chargers 34 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2026 New name — same battery support mission Although the name over our door is now Veloris, the specialist knowledge, high level of customer service and added value benefits associated with what was, until last December, known as Ecobat Battery, remain — alongside the many prominent brands that Europe’s largest battery distributor continues to supply. However, there are many independent workshops that are still not proactively testing the condition of batteries in vehicles being brought in for service or repair — despite the proven revenue generating opportunities, not to mention the reputational benefits that come with it. In addition, workshops that provide support for the battery with a supply charge during diagnostic processes, or prolonged servicing procedures, are few and far between. Veloris continues to champion the issue. To further endorse the ‘test every battery’ principle, Veloris’ Andy Waite returned to Silver Street Motors in Tiverton, where proprietor Steve Webber had trialled it in the spring. The initial findings showed that testing each battery with an EBT780 battery tester helped build stronger relationships with customers and boost battery sales. Waite said: “Although Steve doesn’t currently do much diagnostic work, largely because the previous owner of the business that he recently acquired didn’t offer the service, the principle of battery support extends beyond diagnostics to an increasing number of standard service and repair procedures.” Webber said his garage’s ability to provide customers with an accurate measure of the condition of their vehicle’s battery continues to be a service they like. Waite added: “It is not unusual for the manufacturer’s service instructions to require the vehicle’s ignition to be on when undertaking standard servicing procedures. “Workshops don’t need me to tell them that jobs like this can often have complications meaning work takes longer to complete than the time specified by the vehicle manufacturer’s data, which means that there is a greater drain on the battery. “Left unsupported, should the job take longer than expected, or the battery already be partially discharged, the result can have a huge impact on the battery and potentially leave the technician unable to complete the job, or even start the vehicle.” Maintaining the correct voltage into the system during these often prolonged periods is vital for technicians. Waite said this demands a stable source of power, at the correct voltage, to be constantly supplied to the vehicle’s electrical system. Veloris and auto sector charging partner, CTEK, continue providing workshops with the hardware and information needed, specifically highlighting de-rating dangers. De-rating is the process by which electronic equipment reduces its output capacity to prevent overheating or protect internal components from damage due to excessive load or temperature conditions. When chargers or battery support units de-rate, they may fail to provide the stable voltage required for critical vehicle operations. So investing in reliable battery support systems is key. Back at Silver Street, Webber said: “By retiring the old and unreliable 15amp charger I inherited, and using the CTEK charger I was loaned, we’ve been able to further help our customers. We can confidently carry out those ignition-on jobs and still hand the vehicle back with the battery in peak condition.” www.veloris.com
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