XC60 automatic: Can I replace an AGM battery with EFB one?

[Guu]

In an internet ordering mistake I have bought an EFB battery but ideally it ought to been an AGM one. So my question is - EFB vs AGM, how much does it truly matter?

[rxtian]

I wouldn’t do it personally, it sounds like the EFB will not last long under the abuse the car will subject it to thinking it’s AGM:

“Q. What are the differences between EFB and AGM batteries?
A. EFB batteries have been introduced as a lower tier option to AGM batteries in terms of performance and durability. EFB technology relies on improvements to existing flooded technology through the addition of Carbon additives in the plate manufacturing process. AGM batteries benefit from the inclusion of unique design features not found in wet-flooded batteries. These include glass mat separators, recombinant lid technology and higher pack pressures to facilitate improved cyclic lifespan. AGM batteries are better suited to meeting the demands of higher specification vehicles that include one or more of the following technologies: Start Stop, Regenerative Braking and Passive Boost“
From: https://www.yuasa.co.uk/info/technic...efb-explained/

If you ordered online you have 14 days to get a refund, though the return postage might be a bit brutal!

[Guu]

I'm looking into the returns options now. The website offered a license plate look-up so I didn't check the manual or the current battery before I ordered. I'm annoyed with the seller as if their database isn't good enough to tell whether the car is manual or automatic then a simple warning message to highlight the differences would have made all the difference. (And they would have probably been able to sell me a more expensive battery to boot!)

[Deck1ng]

Cars that use EFB or AGM batteries have sensors and a battery management system (BMS), in general you can use an AGM battery in place of an EFB, but not the other way around.
https://mechanics.stackexchange.com › ...

[MacV50]

My early MY17 (registered June 2016) AWD auto was fitted with a Volvo EFB battery. I would assume it came this way from the factory as I got the car at 6 months old.

The battery lasted until early this year when the stop start would rarely work although the car started OK all the time even in pretty cold mornings.

The manual states that it should have an AGM battery so that's what I bought but it was fine with the EFB

Since changing, I have noticed that MPG has improved. I'm assuming this is because the battery isn't being constantly charged so the load on the engine is less

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by Deck1ng

Cars that use EFB or AGM batteries have sensors and a battery management system (BMS), in general you can use an AGM battery in place of an EFB, but not the other way around.
https://mechanics.stackexchange.com › ...

Perhaps not worth taking the risk, but I'd assumed the BMS would know whether an EFB or AGM battery was fitted. Otherwise how can, say, my model be fitted with either type depending on whether it has manual or automatic transmission?

[Deck1ng]

Forgive me if I'm being dense, not being mechanically trained, but why would the transmission make any difference to the battery fitted?

[rxtian]

Originally Posted by Zebster

Perhaps not worth taking the risk, but I'd assumed the BMS would know whether an EFB or AGM battery was fitted. Otherwise how can, say, my model be fitted with either type depending on whether it has manual or automatic transmission?

It works kind of the opposite way to what you’re suggesting, the car knows if it has an auto or manual, and therefore whether the battery is EFB or AGM (trusting the factory fitted the right one and replacements are the same). The BMS then uses the battery type to control charging etc to be suitable for either EFB or AGM.

[rxtian]

Originally Posted by Deck1ng

Forgive me if I'm being dense, not being mechanically trained, but why would the transmission make any difference to the battery fitted?

I think the autos can make more agressive use of the start/stop system because of the increased control the car has over itself.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Deck1ng

Forgive me if I'm being dense, not being mechanically trained, but why would the transmission make any difference to the battery fitted?

That’s a good question... I’d love to know the answer too....