Exide Technologies Introduces Innovative Waterproof Battery Charger

PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 25, 2002; Exide Technologies, a global leader in stored electrical energy solutions, is introducing an innovative waterproof, intelligent charging system for automotive starting and deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. The Waterproof Intelligent Charger is intended for cars, buses and trucks as a supplement to the vehicles' on-board charging systems. Exide developed the charging system in partnership with Lyng Elektronikk AS, located in Vanvikan, Norway. Lyng Elektronikk AS, www.lyng.com , is an in- house electronics development and manufacturing company, supplying a number of worldwide customers with high-quality electronic solutions.

Today's vehicles are equipped with an increasing number of power-hungry accessories that place a large drain on a vehicle's battery. Cars have heated seats, high-tech audio electronics and adaptive cruise control -- new crash- avoidance systems that use laser beams or radar to measure the distance from one vehicle to the car ahead and the relative speed of both vehicles. Buses are fitted with swipe devices, heating systems and floor lifts. Trucks deploy global positioning systems, heavy-duty cooling systems, position lamps and back lifts. When the battery is drained, it can be recharged easily by the on-board charging system if the vehicle is driven a sufficient distance in the course of a day. But if the vehicle doesn't cover enough ground, the battery will be only partially recharged, and therefore incapable of fully supporting the electrical load. The Exide Technologies supplemental on-board charger provides the extra measure of reliability and safety to assure a fully charged battery at all times.

The Waterproof Intelligent Charger provides an all-weather, voltage- controlled maintenance charge of five amperes to prevent overcharging. It can be used on all lead-acid batteries with ratings of more than 15amp hours, and its unique back plate design allows the charger to be safely secured to any part of the vehicle. In addition, its mains-sensed charging output provides no opportunity for a drain of battery voltage when the main electricity supply is interrupted. This is because the device is fully separated from the battery system.

Exide Technologies developed the Waterproof Intelligent Charger to be used for a range of vehicles, including caravans/recreational vehicles, boats, cars, tractors and farm equipment. It can be used indoors or out, in summer cottages, boathouses or car showrooms. Its intuitive, yellow-green-red indicator illustrates whether the system is in the process of charging, whether the battery is charged, or whether the charger is connected correctly.

"Exide Technologies offers a range of innovative battery products and a full spectrum of support products and services to our customers," said David G. Enstone, president of the Exide Technologies Global Transportation Business Group. "This charger is a product of our vision to continually advance the global development of superior power products."

The compact, lightweight, portable charger weighs 1.8 kg/3.9 lbs and measures 140mm/5.5 inches by 95 mm/3.7 inches by 135mm/5.3 inches. It comes with a convenient, built-in handle for easy carrying and cable wind-up. The case is constructed of rugged polypropylene plastic and is waterproof (Classification IP67), which means that the charger can be used both indoors and outdoors without risk for water or dampness damaging the product. The charger has no fuses, and has built-in protection against over-voltage, over- temperature and reverse polarity conditions.

The charger will be available through most wholesalers and retailers in Europe and the U.S. by November/December 2002.