What you need to know about EFB’s (Enhanced Flooded Batteries)

Tom Bateman

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EFB batteries are an enhanced version of standard wet-flooded technology. These type of batteries should not be confused with standard flooded or AGM batteries.

The primary benefits of EFB technology are improved charge acceptance and greater cyclic durability when operating in a reduced state of charge.

CAN I TEST EFB BATTERIES WITH MY BATTERY TESTER?

Some EFB batteries can be tested using standard flooded test algorithms, however there many that will test inaccurately and subsequently deliver misdiagnosis through over-reading the batteries measured cca value. Only Midtronics have a true EFB testing platform, found in the MDX655P Start/Stop Tester. A comprehensive EFB drop down part number look up table, ensures you accurately test and diagnose batteries using specific test algorithms.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STANDARD FLOODED AND EFB BATTERIES?

EFB batteries are an enhanced version of standard wet-flooded technology. The primary benefits of EFB technology are improved charge acceptance and greater cyclic durability when operating in a reduced state of charge (typical of Stop Start applications). As an approximation, EFB batteries will provide 85,000 engine starts, compared to 30,000 starts from standard flooded product.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EFB AND AGM BATTERIES?

EFB batteries have been introduced as a lower tier option to AGM batteries in terms of performance and durability. EFB technology relies on improvements to existing flooded technology through the addition of Carbon additives in the plate manufacturing process. AGM batteries benefit from the inclusion of unique design features not found in wet-flooded batteries. These include glass mat separators, recombinant lid technology and higher pack pressures to facilitate improved cyclic lifespan. AGM batteries are better suited to meeting the demands of higher specification vehicles that include one or more of the following technologies: Start Stop, Regenerative Braking and Passive Boost.

What equipment can i use to test and maintain EFB batteries?

As EFB batteries become more popular, the industry leading battery maintenance brands have added support to their products to allow you to maintain them. In some cases, specific EFB modes have been added for efficient and safe testing and charging.

At Rotronics, we only supply equipment from trusted brands that we have extensively tested before hand. See our EFB product suggestions below…