Volvo Trucks.

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FACT SHEET
Battery installation

Battery installation
It has become more and more important to choose the right batter-
ies and installation for the different transport purposes. This fact
sheet focuses on the areas that affect battery systems and batteries.

Sales variants
Battery system type Battery maintenance
BATS-S Single energy battery storage system UBAMAFRE  Standard batteries
(2 batteries) BAMAFREE  Maintenance free batteries
BATS-D Dual energy battery storage system (2 living
batteries and 2 starter batteries) Main switch
MSWI-B Automatic main switch
Battery box position MSWI-C Chassis-installed main switch
BBOX-L Battery box on left hand side MSWI-R Remote controlled main switch
BBOX-EF Battery box at end of frame MSWI-A ADR main switch

Battery capacity
2BATT170 Batteries 2x170 Ah
2BATT225  Batteries 2x225 Ah
2BAT210B  Gel batteries 2x210 Ah

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Battery installation

Battery system and battery box position Combinations of battery system and battery box position
Volvo FH/FH16 and Volvo FM/FMX have two battery systems It is possible to combine battery system and battery box position
(BATS-S and BATS-D) and two battery box positions (BBOX-L as follows:
and BBOX-EF) to choose between.
Single energy storage system, battery box on left-
BATS-S hand side (BATS-S and BBOX-L)
BATS-S is a single energy storage system, where the starter motor Single energy storage system installation with battery box BBOX-L.
and the on board facilities use the same set of batteries. On vehicles with dual front axles, the battery box is positioned
behind the 2nd front axle.
BATS-D
BATS-D is a dual energy storage system, where the starter motor
and the on board facilities use different set of batteries.
With separate start and living batteries, the living capacity will
increase with up to 50% (compared to a single energy storage
system) and the start battery secures engine crankability and uptime.
This system is recommended on trucks with high power consump-
tion. (Two start batteries are included in battery system BATS-D).

BBOX-L
The battery box is positioned on the left-hand side behind the front
mudguard. It is 60cm wide and has a robust lid with anti-slip ribbing.
On tractors without chassis fairings, steps or a ladder is fitted
to the battery box for access to the rear deck.

BBOX-EF
The battery box is a rubber-suspended installation in the rear frame
end to allow for more space for fuel at the chassis.
BATS-S and BBOX-L.
An auxiliary starter connection to enable jump starting is located
in the rear end of the battery box.
For battery installation at the end of the frame, it is recommended
to have sliding members/protection members on the truck. For Single energy storage system, battery installation at
further information, see fact sheet for sliding members. end of frame, (BATS-S and BBOX-EF)
Single energy storage system installation with battery box BBOX EF.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Separated starter batteries and living batteries to secure

maximum startability and uptime (BATS-D).
• The living battery capacity will increase with up to 50% com-
bined with a secured startability (BATS-D).
• The battery box works as a rear deck on the chassis left side
which gives good access (BBOX-L).
• Allows more space for fuel at the chassis (BBOX-EF).

BBOX-EF.

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Battery installation

Dual energy storage system, battery installation on
left hand side (BATS-D and BBOX-L)1
The living batteries are installed in the (standard) BBOX-L, and
the start batteries are installed in a separate battery box which is
located below BBOX-L.
The complete installation does not take any extra frame space
compared to the standard BBOX-L installation.
This installation is only available for FAA10 (Single Front Axle)
and for smooth road condition.
1
Available from SP-start W1749
Dual energy storage system, battery installation at the
end of frame (BATS-D and BBOX-EF)
The living batteries are installed in the BBOX-EF and the start
batteries are installed in a separate battery box which is located
at the left-hand side behind the front mudguard. It takes 40 cm
of frame space.
This installation is only available for smooth road conditions.

1
1

Tractor with BATS-D and BBOX-L. The living batteries are placed in the battery box Tractor with BATS-D and BBOX-EF. The living batteries are placed in the battery
(BBOX-L) at left hand side (1), and the start batteries are placed in a battery box box (BBOX-EF) in the end of frame (1), and the start batteries are placed in a bat-
(2) below the living battery box. tery box at left hand side (2).

BATS-D and BBOX-EF. Additional battery box at left hand side for two start batter-
ies.

BATS-D and BBOX-L.

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Battery installation

Batteries Standard batteries

Volvo batteries are made for heavy duty and designed to withstand Standard batteries have high current output for cranking. They
tough climate and operating conditions. They meet the high Volvo are available at different capacities, in order to meet the truck’s
requirements when it comes to capacity, long life time, start output, energy consumption.
vibration resistance, acid leakage and cold conditions. Standard batteries are only available for single energy storage
Volvo supplies four different types of batteries, all lead/calcium system (BATS-S).
batteries (Pb/Ca).
• Standard batteries (Flooded batteries).
• Maintenance free batteries (Flooded batteries).
• Gel batteries.
• Start batteries, for BATS-D only (Flooded batteries).

Standard and maintenance free batteries are available in different

capacities. In general, the more energy consumers the truck is
equipped with, the higher the capacity of the batteries should be.
Gel batteries have a lower initial capacity, but their recovery
characteristics make them a better alternative for a number of
specifications.
To achieve best possible battery lifetime, any type of battery
should be recharged to its full capacity whenever possible by
means of an external charger (min 20 A). Volvo offers battery
chargers as an accessory.
To assist in specifying the truck right, a sales guide is available
in STPI (Sales Tool Product Information).

Volvo standard battery.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Low water loss.

• Medium self-discharge (up to 6 months storage time if fully
charged and disconnected).
• High stability/low corrosion.
• Basket plugs to prevent acid leakage.
• Suitable for cranking.

Standard Batteries
Battery capacity Output current at -18 °C Weight (battery set) Vehicle Sales variants
(cold start capacity)
170 Ah 1000 A 92 kg FM/FMX/FH 2BATT170, UBAMAFRE
225 Ah 1150 A 119 kg FM/FMX/FH/FH16 2BATT225, UBAMAFRE

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Battery installation

Gel batteries FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Gel batteries are highly suitable for trucks with high power con-
sumption because of excellent cycling ability.
They can be used in single energy storage system and are default
in dual energy storage system as living batteries.
• Extremely low water losses.
• Low self-discharge (up to 8 months storage time, if fully
charged and disconnected).
• High stability/low corrosion.
• Easy handling no handling with sulfuric acid needed.
• Safety valve plugs on each cell for controlled degassing.
• Spill proof – Compliant UN2800 regulation (air freight).
• Excellent over charge resistance even in hot environment.
• Improved charging acceptance.
• Robust in deep discharge conditions.
• Suitable for cycling.

Volvo GEL battery.

Gel Batteries
Battery capacity Output current at -18 °C Weight (battery set) Vehicle Sales variants
(cold start capacity)
210 Ah 800 A 132 kg FM/FMX/FH/FH16 2BAT210B

Start batteries FEATURES AND BENEFITS

A dedicated start battery is designed for cold cranking, to deliver
cranking output of 800 A. • Easy handling (Enhanced Flooded Battery Technology “EFB”,
Having a dedicated start battery ensures startability in applica- no handling with sulfuric acid needed).
tions where trucks have high power consumption. • Extreme low water losses.
Two start batteries are included in battery system BATS-D. • Extreme low self-discharge (up to 12 months storage time, if
fully charged and disconnected).
• High stability/low corrosion.
• Lid with central degassing.

Volvo start battery.

Start Batteries
Battery capacity Output current at -18 °C Weight (battery set) Vehicle Sales variants
(cold start capacity)
75 Ah 800 A 42 kg FM/FH/FH16 BATS-D

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Battery installation

Maintenance free batteries FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Maintenance free batteries are available at different capacities, in
order to meet the truck’s energy consumption. • Easy handling (Enhanced Flooded Battery Technology “EFB”,
Because of its sealed construction, maintenance free batteries no handling with sulfuric acid needed).
have an advantage compared to standard batteries, due to the • Extreme low water losses.
minimized risk of evaporation. This is especially beneficial in hot • Extreme low self-discharge (up to 12 months storage time (if
climates. However it does not manage deep discharger as good fully charged and disconnected).
as standard batteries. • High stability/low corrosion.
Maintenance free batteries are only available for singe energy • Acid channel and mixing elements in each cell to improve the
storage system (BATS-S) and only for certain markets. acid circulation.
• Lid with central degassing.
• Suitable for cranking.

Volvo maintenance free battery.

Maintenance Free Batteries

Battery capacity Output current at -18 °C Weight (battery set) Vehicle Sales variants
(cold start capacity)
170 Ah 1000 A 92 kg FM/FMX/FH* 2BATT170, BAMAFREE
225 Ah 1150 A 118 kg FM/FMX/FH/FH16* 2BATT225, BAMAFREE

* Available only for certain markets.

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Battery installation

Main switch
The main switch allows better control of electrical consumption.
There are four different types of main switches. All main switches
have timers for closing down the living functionality, the body builder
functionality and the refrigerator. These timers can all be changed
at a Volvo workshop.

Automatic main switch (MSWI-B)

Functionality controlled via timer.

Chassis-installed main switch (MSWI-C)

A physical main switch located on the battery box.

Remote controlled main switch (MSWI-R)

Main switch controlled with key fob.

ADR main switch (MSWI-A) Main switch for battery box at end of frame (MSWI-C).
A power relay that is triggered by the opening/closing of any of the
ADR switches. (see ADR fact sheet for more info).

Main switch for battery box on chassis side (MSWI-C).

The remote control (MSWI-R and LOCK-REM). ADR main switches (one in dashboard (ADR1) and 1 extra (ADR2) outer at cab
back passenger side (MSWI-A).

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Sales variants and combinations

Battery system/Truck type Battery system/Road condition

BATS-S BATS-D RC-SMOOT RC-ROUGH RC-VROUG
Truck type BBOX-L BBOX-EF BBOX-L BBOX-EF BATS-S • • •
TRACTOR • • •1 • BATS-D • – –
RIGID • – •**1 –

Battery system/Battery capacity Battery system/Main switch

BATS-S BATS-D BATS-S BATS-D
Battery BBOX-L BBOX-EF BBOX-L BBOX-EF Main switch BBOX-L BBOX-EF BBOX-L BBOX-EF
capacity MSWI-B • • – –
2BATT170 • • – – MSWI-C • • – –
2BATT225 • • – – MSWI-R • • •1 •
2BAT210B • • •1 • MSWI-A • • •1 •

Battery capacity/Battery system

Battery capacity
Battery type 75 Ah 170 Ah 210 Ah 225 Ah
Standard Batteries – BATS-S – BATS-S
2BATT170 2BATT225
Maintenance Free Batteries* – BATS-S – BATS-S
2BATT170 2BATT225
GEL Batteries – – BATS-S, BATS-D –
2BAT210B
Start Batteries BATS-D – – –

• Available
– Not available
* Available only for certain markets
** Available only for FAA10
1
Available from SP start W1749

Volvo Truck Corporation

Volvo retains the right to modify design and specifications www.volvotrucks.com
without prior notification.

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