Diesel-powered vehicles often incorporate a dual-battery system. This configuration involves the installation of two independent batteries, typically wired in parallel, to supply electrical power to the vehicle’s various systems. The enhanced electrical capacity ensures reliable operation, particularly during cold weather conditions.
The increased power availability provides critical benefits for diesel engines. Diesel engines require a substantial amount of energy to initiate the combustion process, especially during cold starts. The dual-battery setup offers the high amperage needed for the glow plugs or grid heaters to preheat the cylinders, facilitating easier and more dependable starting. Historically, the demands of diesel engine starting systems have consistently exceeded the capabilities of single-battery configurations, leading to the adoption of this design.