Selling Against Gel Technology Optima AGM has a wider operating temperature range than Gel. –High temperatures impact Gel’s life and performance more than AGM. Charging is significantly different between technologies. –You cannot install Gel into under-hood applications. –You cannot charge Gel with standard chargers. Gel technology has poor power density when compared to Optima. –Gel performs poorly at aggressive discharge rates. Gel does not have a significant cycling advantage against Optima. –Gel out-performs Flooded designs.

Selling Against Gel Technology Charging and Operating Temperature Ranges: –Gel technology can tolerate temperature ranges of -20°C - +30°C (when fully charged. Although +30°C is the high side of the temperature range, charge voltage must be within the proper range (temperature correction critical). –Optima’s advanced AGM technology is slightly better. -40°C - +40°C (when fully charged). Gel 13.2 – 14.1 Optima (13.2 – 15.6) Source: EPM technical manual (form /04) and GEP technical manual Recharging Gel by 0.7 volts above Recommended voltage reduces life By 60%

Selling Against Gel Technology Gel’s higher resistance and flooded flat-plate technology suffers poor performance at high discharge rates. –Gel batteries have lower power density than Optima. Source: EPM technical manual (form /04) Comparison: G34 vs G24

Selling Against Gel Technology Gel technologies claim to fame is cycle-life. –Having 3 X cycles compared to Flooded Gel has a clear advantage. –Gel is less advantaged against Optima. Source: EPM technical manual (form /04)

Selling Against Flat-plate AGM technology Flat-plate AGM is more resilient than Gel. –Suffers from similar design complications. Flat-plate AGM can maximize cube volume but lack surface area. –“Spiral cell” designs have more plate surface yielding higher power density. Flat-plate AGM doesn’t cycle as well as “Spiral cell” designs. –Still better than Flooded. –Lead-Calcium grids are disadvantaged. Flat-plate designs do not hold up to vibration as well as Optima.

Selling Against Flat-plate AGM Technology Cylindrical cell design eliminates cell bulge. –Eliminates cell expansion. –Retains cell compression. High vent valve pressures increase life and provide wide recharge voltage ranges. up to 8 PSI and up to 4 PSI (Flat-plate 1 PSI) –High release pressure permits higher recharge voltages. Use of boost chargers is allowed (15.6). Flat-plate designs cannot tolerate voltage above 14.7 GAS PRESSURE GAS PRESSURE

Selling Against Flat-plate AGM Technology Charging and Operating Temperature Ranges: –Flat-plate AGM and Optima’s advanced AGM technology have similar ranges. -40°C - +40°C (when fully charged) Flat-plate AGM 13.2 – 14.7 Optima (13.2 – 15.6) Source: EPM technical manual (form /04) and GEP technical manual

Selling Against Flat-plate AGM Technology Flat-plate claims to have more active material due to cube cell design. Optima’s “Spiral Cell” has more plate surface area.

Selling Against Flat-plate AGM Technology Higher density active-material withstands the eroding effects of cycling. –During cycling, Optima provides more energy throughout life. Flat-plate AGM Optima

Selling Against Flat-plate AGM Technology Optima’s “spiral cell” technology has significantly higher compression than flat-plate. –Higher compression holds all internal components in-place. –Under typical automotive vibration testing (5 G, multi-axis) Optima technology lasts 15 X longer than flat-plate construction. Flat-Plate AGM

Selecting the Correct Application for Optima Optima’s advanced AGM technology fits many applications but it is not always the best choice. –Examples where Optima isn’t the best solution: Applications that require low current discharges for long periods of time. –Optima can be of value if cycle life is important. Stationary Applications where flame-retardant poly is required. –Optima’s poly does not pass UL94 –V0 requirements. Situations where the battery must sit discharged for extended periods of time. –Heavily sulfated batteries can be recovered but it is not recommended for general consumers. Applications that require large strings of batteries. –Optima has proven successful in these applications. Battery management systems that limit DOD and control charge current/voltage are critically important. –Hybrid, pure Electric vehicle applications fall within this category.