Oxon Power rethinks heavy-duty truck starting

Oxon Power announced availability of the Oxon HyperStart™ solution. The system separates cranking power from hotel loads to improve starting reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend battery service intervals.

“In most heavy-duty trucks, Group 31 batteries are typically connected in parallel for starting and hotel loads,” said Paul Menig, board advisor at Oxon Power. “Technology has advanced to where a single HyperStart assembly can ensure starting power while the remaining batteries continue to support hotel loads and can be discharged more deeply since they don’t have to start the engine.

“For an owner-operator, the mismatch in traditional battery set-ups can lead to a costly no-start, missed delivery appointments, service calls, or a lost day of revenue,” Menig continued. “For a fleet, the problem scales across many vehicles—increasing battery purchases, maintenance costs, roadside events, and equipment downtime, and can negatively impact customer satisfaction.”

With HyperStart assigned to the starting function, the remaining Group 31 batteries can continue performing the hotel-load role. Depending on battery quality, duty cycle, depth of discharge, charging and maintenance, the system may extend the useful life of those batteries for up to five to seven years.

HyperStart replaces one standard Group 31 battery in a conventional three- or four-battery system. The existing flooded lead-acid or AGM batteries remain in place to support hotel loads, while HyperStart is reserved for engine starting.

The HyperStart solution operates automatically, without requiring the driver to manage a separate battery or switch. The system is connected directly to the truck’s existing battery cables without requiring rewiring. Typical installation time is as little as 10 minutes.

HyperStart addresses cold weather battery performance issues with an internal heater and battery-management controls to maintain starting capability at temperatures down to -40°C.

HyperStart benefits

Owner-operators:

• Reduced risk of a no-start that interrupts a load or appointment
• No need for jump-starts, service calls and emergency battery purchases
• Greater confidence when using hotel loads with the engine off
• Potentially lower fuel and maintenance costs from reduced preventive idling
• An 18.5-pound unit that is easier to handle than a 60- to 75-pound lead-acid Group 31 battery

Fleets:

• Fewer unplanned starting events across the fleet
• Longer intervals between complete battery-bank replacements
• Reduced technician labor, parts usage and roadside support
• Improved asset availability and fewer freight-disrupting delays
• A consistent retrofit approach for both three- and four-battery systems

SAE J1455 and TMC RP 125A validations of HyperStart will ensure reliability and durability. The underlying multi-voltage architecture is covered by U.S. Patent No. 12,609,365, “Multi-Voltage Auxiliary Power System for Heavy-Duty Equipment.” HyperStart is backed by a three year or longer warranty.