10/09/2026
ASK BILL: Why do modern vehicles destroy batteries faster?
Modern vehicles ask far more from their batteries than older vehicles did.
Start-stop technology is a major factor. Every time the engine switches off at a traffic light and starts again, the battery is cycled. At the same time, the battery can still be supplying power to lights, infotainment, sensors, climate-control systems and other electronics while the engine is off.
Then there is regenerative braking and intelligent charging. Modern charging systems deliberately move the battery through different states of charge, rather than simply keeping it fully charged. That puts additional demands on battery performance and charge acceptance.
South African conditions can add to the load. High temperatures accelerate battery degradation, while short urban trips and heavy traffic can mean repeated starting and insufficient time for the battery to recover.
This is why modern vehicles increasingly use battery technologies such as EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat). They are designed to handle greater cycling and electrical demand than conventional batteries.
Battery Corp has a national footprint, with branches operated by people who have spent years working with batteries across different vehicles, applications and operating conditions.