Ioxus, designers and manufacturers of smart power solutions based on its ultracapacitor technology announced a new Bluetooth interface for its uStart intelligent power management system.

“The uStart Bluetooth app brings wireless capabilities to fleet technicians and drivers,” said Jeff Colton, senior vice president of global sales for Ioxus. “The connection saves time and improves safety during roadside events by providing the ability to remotely check battery voltage and uStart status or use the system’s jumpstart capability without needing to access the battery box. The Bluetooth app for uStart helps complete inspections, maintenance and service quickly and more efficiently.”

Functions enabled using the new Bluetooth interface for uStart include:

• Visibility for drivers into battery voltage and uStart status to determine if the vehicle needs to be started to charge the batteries

• Remote checking of uStart and battery health without connecting diagnostic tools, saving technician time

• Enabling technicians to place uStart in Run or Maintenance mode without accessing controls on the device

• Jumpstart capabilities for drivers and roadside service technicians without the need to push a button on uStart or connect jumper cables or chargers

Installed by an OEM or retrofitted as a drop-in Group 31 battery replacement, uStart systems are available for Class 6 package and other delivery trucks and for Class 7 and 8 day cab trucks and tractors with up to 12-liter engines. With uStart, fleets can eliminate engine starting issues, improve starting reliability and extended battery and starter life.

“If just 10% of trucks that could use uStart did use uStart, from Class 8 day cab, to local delivery, to yard-dogs and airport cargo tractors, millions of pounds of toxic lead and sulfuric acid would be eliminated from the environment,” said Colton. “uStart systems reduce waste and make it easier to adhere to environmental regulations by substantially reducing the number of batteries a truck consumes throughout its service life.”