Clarios: No Dead Batteries on the Road for Commercial Fleets

Clarios Managing Director John Bania notes that among Smart AGM's functions is identifying weak cells that eventually drain battery life. (Anneliese Mahoney/Transport Topics)

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Clarios presented its newest battery software program at the Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition on Feb. 26.

Managing Director John Bania started with a bold prediction about Smart AGM (absorbent glass mat): “No dead batteries on the road for commercial fleets.”

He explained that dead batteries are one of the major causes of fleet downtime, and batteries need an active, real-time monitoring system identifying issues.

Bania noted that Smart AGM identifies weak cells that eventually drain battery life, provides a predictive assessment and sends performance and replacement alerts to fleet management systems. Having such data will allow fleet managers to proactively plan for replacement.

“We’re going to make the AGM and the traditional battery smart,” he said explaining the goal of the new technology.

Through a fleet’s management software system, drivers and fleet managers receive real-time alerts when a battery requires maintenance. Smart AGM sends a notification when it is time for battery replacement. This allows fleets to determine performance and identify factors that may contribute to diminished battery life. Thus, informing future specifications to benefit the truck’s electrical system.

The battery firm is testing Smart AGM in commercial fleets and has entered limited production this year and planning to ramp up toward full production in 2024.

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