By James Arledge, Sales Manager Trojan Battery Sales
The lithium-ion battery market is in a state of flux.
Lithium-ion is a relatively new technology that has taken off in the last five to 10 years and demand for these batteries is high and growing. This has attracted many start-ups and created something of a buyer-beware market for dealerships.
Start-ups generally have a lot to learn. Further, inflation and supply chain problems are hitting start-ups especially hard right now. It’s important to do your due diligence, not only on the batteries you stock but on the companies who manufacture them. Without that, you may end up with a lithium-ion supplier instead of a lithium-ion partner who will be with you for the long run. That can lead to dissatisfied customers and lost time and money.
Ask the manufacturers these questions:
- To get an idea of how established the company is ask how long they have been in business, how long they have been serving the golf car industry, and whether they have supplied batteries to major OEMs. You could also ask if they offer a full portfolio of batteries including flooded lead-acid, AGM, and lithium-ion. You may want to move on if the manufacturer is a start-up, has been serving the golf car industry for just a few years, or has not supplied batteries to OEMs.
Older, more seasoned companies that understand the golf car industry and manufacture and sell a full line of products generally know the issues that can damage batteries and shorten their lifespans. They often engineer solutions to these problems into their products.
- How long have you been working with lithium-ion technology? Again, the company probably has a lot to learn if the answer is just a few years.
- What kind of customer support do you provide? Make sure the company has a U.S-based customer support line staffed by real people who can answer questions and help your technicians troubleshoot issues. Ask if support is available 24/7 and if the staff includes representatives dedicated to lithium-ion products. Many newcomers to the market simply don’t have the infrastructure to provide that level of service.
- How do you support the dealers who carry your products? You don’t want to work with a supplier who sells products and then forgets about you. To avoid phone tag and long hold times, look for a manufacturer with a systematic approach to communicating with dealers. Ask if the manufacturer has an authorized dealer network through which it trains dealers to sell its products and provides them with the information and materials they need.
- How do you sell your batteries? Many battery manufacturers sell directly to dealerships and are unable to provide the follow-up services dealers may need. Look for a supplier who sells their batteries through a network of trained distributors. These distributors generally know and stand by their products, adding value to your purchase.
- What differentiates your batteries from others as far as design and engineering? Look for products with SAE J3060 vibration ratings and an ingress prevention rating of at least IP67. This helps protects the battery from damaging vibrations, water, and dust and can increase its life. Make sure the batteries are drop-in and scalable.
Ask how the battery is designed to move the damaging heat it generates away from the cells. Most manufacturers do this through inexpensive components called heat sinks because they are easy to make and add on.
But heat sinks should not be the only method of heat management. Well-made batteries reduce the heat generated and allow for natural cooling in the design. This requires more engineering expertise, but it boosts efficiency, improves safety, and prolongs battery life.
- What range does your battery get? The range of lithium-ion batteries differs, with a few getting as much as 45 – 60 miles per charge with a three-battery configuration. Make sure the batteries you buy provide the longest possible range. Check useable, rather than stated capacity. Stated capacity may be based on the sum of individual cells within the battery which does not account for internal losses as useable capacity does. Real-world test data and testimonials are the best way to understand the available range of a battery.
- What safety features are built into your battery? Look for a battery with lithium-iron-phosphate cells, one of the most stable lithium-ion battery chemistries. Make sure the BMS features several levels of safety redundancy. That way, if one level fails another will step in, catch the issue, and turn the battery off, protecting you and your property. Ask about UL certifications. Is the entire pack UL-certified or does the manufacturer rely solely on the cell provider’s
UL listing?
Stocking batteries on pricing alone is a big mistake that can impact your bottom line. Be sure to compare the manufacturers’ experience, support services, and products. Investing a little time in your decision can have big payoffs in your sales, service, and customer satisfaction.
