Field experience and improvements with thin tubular-plate lead/acid technology

The Classic 25 is the product name for a motive-power lead/acid cell using thin positive tubular plates. This cell was developed for use in electric vehicles and other applications where high specific energy and reliable cycle life is required. It would appear that the best approach is to provide a lead/acid battery that has the highest specific energy while still maintaining excellent cycle life. This technology was implemented by use of 6 V modules, followed by a 2-V design. Since this was first introduced in 1989, more than 20 000 cells and monoblocs have been delivered to various electric vehicle applications such as vans, trucks, and buses. The field experience with this product is therefore excellent, and development is continuing on the battery design and manufacturing techniques to improve performance and life even further. Today, a wide range of products using this technology is available, and the latest developments are a new 6 V monobloc and some maintenance-free cells.