PRO GuIDe
NITRO sealed and charged batteries
After extensive testing, Belgium based DC-AFAM has
announced a sealed battery charging system that
ensures dealers know about the full supply chain
charge status of the batteries they receive.
Kjell Roels, Product Manager for DC-AFAM, told IDN
that "in the lead-acid battery industry we have been
seeing a strong trend towards sealed batteries for
several years. Sealed batteries include SLA (sealed
lead-acid), GEL and factory activated batteries. This
upward trend comes from the increasing complexity
of the regulations controlling the sales and distribution
of batteries supplied with an acid pack.
"SLA batteries have one big downside compared to
dry charged batteries. Since they are already activated,
they experience a natural discharge from the moment
of production. Most of the powersports batteries sold
in Europe are manufactured in South-East Asia. From
there they have a six to eight week journey to get to
Europe, and then, typically, they sit in warehouses at
the wholesaler, distributor and retailer.
"By the time the battery reaches the end-user, the
battery is most likely already deeply discharged. The
average NITRO SLA battery loses around 0,05V per
month. Starting at 12,8V and dropping to 12,4V, the
minimum threshold, takes in total about eight months
depending on the battery type.
"At DC-AFAM we are equipped with a massive
capacity full charging station, which can charge over
200 batteries at the same time. Our smart warehouse
system tracks the time that the batteries spend in
stock. Each NITRO battery has its own specific
parameters and will be charged when needed.
"For every NITRO battery that leaves our warehouse
we guarantee a charge life of at least four months - a
sticker is applied to the box (and the master carton) to
indicate the last charging date.
"This not only benefits our professional customers but
also end-users as they are sure that proper care has
been taken of the battery throughout its life. After
purchase the battery will still be in a healthy state, but
a top-up charge is always recommended before
installation of the battery inside the motorcycle."
DC-AFAM
Nazareth, BELGIUM
Tel: +32 (0)9 243 7390
[email protected]
www.afam.com
www.nitro-batteries.com
www.idnmag.com
INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 37