CTEK introduces charger for cars with Start/Stop tech

MANILA, Philippines - More than ever, the increasingly complex electronics in modern vehicles be it cars, SUVs, or light commercial vehicles, has put more pressure on the charging system. The humble lead-acid battery also known as the SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) battery is now at the forefront and keeping it in good shape is tantamount to a worry-free, hassle-free motoring experience.

Having made a name for itself through OEM tie-ups with manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, CTEK is answering the call to make sure that your car’s 12-volt battery runs longer and more reliably. Today, CTEK is making available the CT5 START/STOP smart battery charger in the Philippines. This is the smart battery charger that’s especially made for vehicles equipped with idle start/stop systems.

With tightening emission regulations, especially in Europe looming near, the idle start/stop system has become the carmaker’s go-to solution to reduce emissions, especially in urban environments. It’s been so widely accepted there that in the next few years, idle start/stop technology will be mandated and cannot be switched off.

Though applauded for reducing emissions, idle start/stop is also punishing on a car’s electrical system, particularly on the battery. Even if equipped with EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or deep cycle batteries, which as its name implies, can be deeply discharged using most of its capacity, they rarely last more than two years. In heavy stop-and-go traffic situations such as those in the Philippines, they can wear out much faster—sometimes in as little as six months.

Moreover, the importance of maintaining an EFB battery cannot be stressed further since it’s the sole power source of the vehicle’s electrical devices be it the air conditioning, audio system, or the navigation system. It’s also the one responsible for quickly re-starting the engine when the clutch is engaged or the brake pedal is released.

Addressing the unique need of owners of vehicles equipped with idle start/stop systems, CTEK is introducing the CT5 START/STOP. Like its best-selling MXS 5.0, which has an 8-step charging process, the CTEK CT5 START/STOP delivers a charge rate of five amperes per hour, enough for most cars and SUVs. Unlike the MXS 5.0 though, it delivers a higher voltage of charge required by deep cycle or EFB batteries. And making it even easier to use for even the most novice of car owners, it doesn’t have a mode button. It simply plugs in and it’s ready to go. Indicator lights tell you when it’s charging and when it’s finished. Built-in checks also prevent against polarity reversal or if it isn’t connected properly. And since it is IP65-certified, it’s dust-proof and splash-proof, making it perfect for garage use.

Though most owners will probably use the provided alligator clamps, the CT5 START/STOP, like other CTEK battery chargers, comes with the Comfort Connect. Recipient of Popular Mechanics Magazine Product of the Year award, the CTEK Comfort Connect gives owners the ability to charge quickly without worrying about clamping into the battery terminals each and every time. Just mount the Comfort Connect once and the battery can be quickly charged. It’s also perfect for batteries located in hard to reach areas such as in the trunk.

Robert Briggs, CTEK’s Director of Sales and Marketing in Asia-Pacific says that owners of CT5 START/STOP report satisfactory results. Topping up their batteries once every two weeks, these cars equipped with EFB batteries report that their battery life has effectively doubled. And with EFB batteries not exactly cheap, this makes the CT5 START/STOP a worthwhile investment.

The CTEK CT5 START/STOP is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Waido Marketing Corporation. For more information about CTEK, check out their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/CTEK.Ph/