Battery manufacturer First National Battery was selected to provide its Raylite Ultimate AGM batteries for the South Africa-based Toyota vehicles racing in the Dakar 2013 rally last month.
The AGM front-of-wave technology immobilises the acid in the battery, resulting in minimum gas emissions, no acid spillage in the case of rupture and allowing for the battery to be installed in any position.
The technology delivers an extra-high starting current that makes it suitable for use in diesel vehicles, explains First National Battery MD Dr Louis Denner.
The Raylite Ultimate AGM battery’s tightly compressed internal construction makes it more vibration resistant. Potholes and rough terrain are unlikely to damage the plates of the battery and shorten the life span, and the battery is especially suitable for deep-cycle applications.
Further, it is designed to withstand ongoing discharging and recharging and offers up to three times the cycle life of a conventional technology battery.
The AGM technology is specifically designed for the new generation of start/stop vehicles and will play a major role in ensuring a reliable greener environment. The battery is recyclable once it has reached the end of its life and tends to last longer. This results in less frequent replacement and, subsequently, in saving energy, resources and the accompanying emissions during manufacture.
Toyota Motorsports director Glyn Hall says the importance of choosing the right components for the vehicles is crucial for the successful completion of the race.
Team Toyota finished second after racing 8 000 km through three South American countries. The rally is widely regarded as the most difficult of its kind in the world.