Autocar announced the release of its Smart Battery Cable, a safety technology designed to reduce the risk of electrical fires in refuse trucks.

Refuse trucks operate in harsh conditions where battery cables are frequently exposed to vibration, abrasion, and contaminants. Traditional unfused battery cables carry high electrical loads, and damage can lead to arcing, increasing the risk of fire and equipment damage.

Smart Battery Cable Technology

Designed for use on the Autocar ACX, the Smart Battery Cable provides early detection of potential cable damage. The system alerts the operator through the Autocar Always Up display when a short circuit is detected, allowing the vehicle to be safely stopped before excessive heat buildup or ignition can occur.

The system also works with a vehicle crank interlock, preventing the engine from restarting until the vehicle has been inspected and, if necessary, repaired.

Integration With Vehicle Safety Systems

The Smart Battery Cable builds on Autocar’s existing safety systems, including its integrated Advanced Driver Assist Module. The company said the technology reflects its focus on engineering safety features specifically for severe-duty vocational applications.

“Our customers operate in challenging environments and rely on their equipment to perform safely every day,” said Juan Higgs, ACX chief of engineering. “The Smart Battery Cable is designed to help identify potential issues early and reduce fire risk.”

Autocar is currently equipping select ACX configurations with the Smart Battery Cable. The company plans to expand availability with the goal of making the technology standard across all ACX configurations by 2027.