VARTA EFB: The Smart, Durable Choice for Entry-Level Start-Stop Cars

As Start-Stop technology becomes more common across a wider range of vehicles, not just high-end luxury models, a new battery category has emerged to meet this need: the EFB, or Enhanced Flooded Battery. VARTA's EFB batteries are specifically engineered to be the perfect power source for entry-level and mid-range vehicles with Start-Stop systems, offering a significant performance boost over conventional batteries without the full cost of an AGM.

What Makes an EFB "Enhanced"?

An EFB is not just a standard flooded battery. It incorporates several key technological improvements:

• Poly-Fleece Scrim: This is the core innovation. A layer of polyester fleece material is applied to the surface of the positive plates. This scrim helps to stabilize the active material on the plates, preventing erosion and shedding that occurs during deep cycling.
• Improved Charge Acceptance: The scrim also helps to keep the electrolyte stratified, leading to better charge acceptance and faster recharging from the alternator after an engine restart.
• Higher Cycling Capability: Thanks to these enhancements, a VARTA EFB battery can handle approximately twice the number of charge/discharge cycles as a conventional VARTA starter battery.

When is an EFB the Right Choice?

The primary application for EFB technology is in vehicles that:

• Are equipped with a basic, entry-level Start-Stop system (without regenerative braking).
• Originally came with an EFB battery from the factory.
• Do not have a Start-Stop system but have higher-than-normal power demands, such as commercial delivery vehicles or taxis that make many stops and starts.

The Upgrade Path

One of the key rules of battery replacement is to never downgrade. If your car came with an EFB battery, you must replace it with at least another EFB. However, you always have the option to upgrade. Installing a VARTA AGM battery in place of an EFB will provide even greater performance, a longer service life, and better handling of electrical loads. But for a reliable, cost-effective, and factory-correct solution for many modern cars, the VARTA EFB is the perfect fit, delivering the durability and power needed for today's driving demands.