Exide Technologies has launched Synergy, a new programme to simplify battery replacement in the latest cars. The programme and new battery replacement tool are the result of extensive customer consultations and discussions with diagnostic equipment providers.

Battery replacement is becoming a complex and sophisticated business. In the latest cars, the battery is more closely tied to the electrical management system and the ECU. Some diagnostic equipment is unable to handle this advancement, and so Exide Technologies’ customers have faced increased costs and complexity.

Craig Everett, UK marketing manager at Exide Technologies comments, “Most of our resellers already own diagnostic equipment, and we wanted to protect their existing investments. We met with many of the diagnostic equipment providers and explained the needs of our resellers.”

To address the needs of Exide Technologies’ resellers and the broader aftermarket, many of the diagnostic equipment providers are developing a software update to allow their customers to replace and manage batteries. Exide Technologies believes this will make battery replacement quicker and less costly, which will ultimately benefit consumers.

Around 10% of workshops do not own diagnostic equipment. To make it possible for them to replace batteries in the latest cars, Exide developed the BRT-12, a battery replacement tool that will be around 80% cheaper than full vehicle diagnostic equipment.

The BRT-12 handles battery replacement, clears faults from the dashboard and displays current battery details. Exide also plans to release new updates to cover more vehicles as the market develops. When new updates are released, customers can plug the tool into a PC and download them fro free.

“We wanted to make the perfect tool for workshops that don’t currently have diagnostic equipment”, said Everett. “The BRT-12 lets workshops reduce labour costs and protect their market share as the car parc shifts towards newer cars.”