That's the view of European manufacturer Skeleton Technologies, which has introduce a 24V engine start module, based on ultracapacitor technology to ensure engines always start, whatever the conditions.
Märt Pikkani, head of module development at Skeleton Technologies, says the SkelStart ESM is the only unit of its kind designed in a form factor that fits with European vehicles and can easily be fitted in to the D02 box types used by battery manufacturers.
"With a very simple installation, truck owners and fleet operators can significantly improve the efficiency of their fleet," he insists.
"The SkelStart ESM delivers fuel savings, up to 50% extended battery life, faster cranking, reliable starting, well-rested drivers and reduced pollution."
Ultracapacitors are efficient and able to provide higher currents than lead acid batteries. They can also charge and discharge millions of times, offering lifetimes up to 500 times greater than batteries.
Crucially for drivers in colder climates, the technology can operate in temperatures as low as -65 °C.
With the SkelStart ESM, the ultracapacitors provide the power required to start the truck engine. Pikkani explains that the batteries are then only required to for low-power loads once the engine is up and running.
"Since installing the SkelStart ESM we have had no starting problems whatsoever," states Priit Tamme, who manages Mareen's freight forwarding and logistics fleet, which operates across the Baltic region.
"The unit is particularly useful when the engine cannot be kept idling because of local restrictions and when the batteries have been drained from using the lift gate."
"Previously we were changing the batteries every two years but we expect much longer battery life using the SkelStart ESM. We are now looking at installing the technology across our fleet."