Batteries and chargers 36 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2026 New 12V AGM for light vehicles Exide Technologies has introduced a new AGM battery size into its light vehicle range. Designed to meet the advanced power and cycling requirements of modern xEVs, the EK500 offers a new L01 AGM format (50Ah, 570A) that delivers best-in-class performance, highest cycling — as rated by the European technical standards — and comprehensive market coverage. Manufactured in Europe, using the same design, production lines and technology as its OE batteries, the EK500 offers distributors and technicians a trusted aftermarket solution with OEM pedigree. Responding to growing demands from European and Asian car makers, adopting L01 for both SLI and auxiliary applications, EK500 is suitable for more than three million vehicles across Europe. Exide’s new-generation AGM technology features best-in-class grid technology, high-surface glass mat separators, advanced alloys and unique carbon additives in the active mass. The EK500 provides longevity and consistent performance, lower internal resistance and minimal voltage drop under high demand — and reliable support for safety-critical loads such as ADAS features. Visit https://www.exidegroup.com/ eu/en/product/exide-lv-agm for details. Impact of energy-hungry vehicles on workshops To the customer, a flat battery still looks like a simple problem. For today’s independent workshop, it rarely is. Modern vehicles are more electrically demanding than ever, and that is fundamentally changing how battery-related issues present in the aftermarket. ADAS systems, infotainment, telematics, alarms, emissions controls and keyless entry systems all draw power continuously. Even when parked, many vehicles are managing software, security and connectivity functions. The result is a constant drain on the 12V battery, one that older charging and testing approaches were never designed to handle. Research carried out by CTEK highlights just how widespread the issue has become. On average, one in three vehicles enters the workshop with a battery that requires attention. In winter months, that figure can rise to as high as one in two vehicles, as cold temperatures place additional strain on already undercharged batteries. Battery-related faults are now one of the most common causes of nonstarts, warning lights and customer comebacks. Crucially, many of these batteries are not defective; they are simply undercharged or inadequately maintained. Short journeys, stopstart systems and increased electrical demand mean batteries often operate in a partial state of charge. Over time, this accelerates sulphation, reducing available capacity and shortening service life. Low system voltage can also trigger fault codes that complicate diagnosis and increase labour time. For independent workshops, this makes battery condition one of the first things to assess. With all diagnostics, ADAS calibration and vehicle reprogramming carried out with the engine idling, these processes are entirely reliant on battery support. Without a stable voltage supply, there is a real risk of misdiagnosis, corrupted software updates or unnecessary parts replacement. Unlike basic chargers, modern workshop solutions are designed to safely charge AGM and EFB batteries, recover deeply discharged units and maintain a stable voltage during extended diagnostic or programming work. CTEK’s PRO workshop range is developed specifically for these modern demands. PRO chargers and power supplies deliver controlled charging and reliable voltage support, helping technicians work confidently around sensitive vehicle electronics. Energy-hungry vehicles are now the norm. As connectivity and electrification continue to grow, the importance of a healthy 12V system will only increase, even in hybrid and electric vehicles.
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