VARTA Just Told Us Something Every UAE Driver Needs to Know

Car battery issues can get really frustrating in the UAE heat. That’s precisely why we reached out to Clarios, the company behind VARTA batteries. We wanted real answers for you. Not marketing fluff but actual insights from the people who design these batteries.

This exclusive interview took time and effort to arrange. But we believe you deserve authentic information from the source. After all, choosing the correct battery isn’t just about specs. It’s about understanding what works in your climate.

So we asked the tough questions. The ones you’d have asked the manufacturer directly. Questions about extreme heat, about start-stop systems, and about making your battery last longer.

Here’s everything that they told us.

Q1. Clarios has a strong global presence. How does it approach the automotive battery market in the GCC, and what strategies does it employ to meet the unique needs of this region?

VARTA: As the world’s global leader in low-voltage energy solutions, we think of the GCC as an important growth market with a comprehensive, localized strategy centered around its Dubai office serving the entire Gulf region. 

The company provides advanced VARTA battery solutions specifically engineered for the Gulf’s extreme temperatures and unique driving conditions. 

Clarios employs on-the-ground technical experts and merchandisers who visit garages to explain products, demonstrate installation techniques, and conduct regular training sessions. 

We also offer localized digital tools and a robust partner network, ensuring tailored support for distributors, garages, and fleet operators across the GCC.

Q2. Given VARTA’s leadership in advanced battery technology, what differentiates it from other battery brands available in the UAE market today?

VARTA: VARTA stands out as the leading premium brand in EMEA, backed by over 135 years of battery expertise and products developed in close cooperation with major leading Original Equipment customers. 

Our product lines feature PowerFrame grid technology with reinforced construction, with AGM batteries delivering three times longer lifespan than conventional SLI batteries. 

The VARTA brand also provides a comprehensive support ecosystem, including localized digital platforms, technical training, and a color-coded product portfolio for intuitive selection. 

This combination of superior product quality, innovation, and dedicated support differentiates VARTA in the UAE market.

Q3. VARTA is known for its AGM and EFB battery technologies. How do these technologies enhance vehicle performance, especially for start-stop and hybrid vehicles that are becoming popular in the GCC?

VARTA: VARTA’s EFB batteries are specifically designed for vehicles with basic start-stop systems, offering improved durability and charge acceptance to handle frequent discharge and recharge cycles. 

AGM batteries represent the premium solution for complex start-stop systems, hybrids, and electric vehicles, delivering a lifespan 3 times longer than that of conventional SLI batteries. 

Both technologies are engineered to maintain reliable performance even in temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, which is critical for the GCC market. 

These advanced batteries support the higher electrical loads of modern vehicle systems (infotainment, ADAS, etc.) while ensuring the repeated engine restarts required by start-stop and hybrid vehicles.

Q4. How do VARTA batteries perform in high-demand vehicles—such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi—which feature advanced electronics and start-stop systems?

VARTA: Clarios collaborates with nearly all major vehicle manufacturers around the globe. 

Our AGM and EFB technologies, brought to our customers under the VARTA brand, are specifically developed in close collaboration with them to meet the high electrical demands of advanced electronics and start-stop systems. 

These batteries ensure reliable power delivery, extended service life, and optimal performance, even under the extreme heat and challenging driving conditions typical in the GCC.

Q5. The UAE is known for its extreme heat. How are VARTA batteries designed or engineered to maintain optimal performance and durability in such harsh weather conditions?

VARTA: Our VARTA batteries feature advanced high-heat technology specifically optimized for extreme temperatures. 

The key engineering innovation is PowerFrame grid technology with reinforced construction, designed to deliver consistent performance and longer battery life in the harsh Gulf climate. 

This specialized engineering is essential in an environment where operating conditions are so demanding that battery warranties in the Middle East are typically shorter. Our batteries are rigorously tested to deliver reliability and durability, providing drivers in the UAE with peace of mind.

Q6. What are the most common battery-related issues UAE drivers face, and how does VARTA address these challenges through its technology and product design?

VARTA: Common issues include premature battery failure due to extreme heat, frequent short trips, and high electrical loads from modern vehicle systems. 

VARTA addresses these challenges with batteries engineered for high heat resistance, advanced charge acceptance, and robust construction. 

Our AGM and EFB technologies are designed to handle frequent engine restarts and support the growing electrification of vehicles, reducing the risk of breakdowns and ensuring reliable performance.

Q7. How does Clarios view digitalization in the automotive aftermarket, particularly regarding battery monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance?

VARTA: Clarios is at the forefront of digitalization in the aftermarket. We offer localized, bilingual digital platforms such as the VARTA Battery Finder and Training Academy. 

These tools support battery selection, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance, empowering garages and fleet operators to optimize performance and reduce downtime. 

Q8. What practical advice would you give car owners in the UAE to maximise the lifespan and performance of their VARTA batteries in extreme heat and heavy traffic conditions?

VARTA: For car owners in the UAE, it is recommended to regularly check battery health, especially before the hot season begins. 

Ensure that the battery is correctly specified and installed for your vehicle’s specific requirements. Digital tools like the VARTA Battery Finder can provide valuable support for maintenance guidance. 

To guarantee proper handling and full warranty coverage, battery checks and replacements should only be carried out at trained service centers and specialized garages.

Q9. As the automotive industry moves toward sustainability, how is VARTA contributing to the circular economy through battery recycling, responsible sourcing, and eco-friendly manufacturing?

VARTA: Clarios, the parent company of VARTA, operates the world’s largest closed-loop battery recycling network, recycling nearly 200,000 batteries daily. 

This leads to high rates of material recovery, as more than 75% of the lead and more than 50% of the plastic in our batteries produced in EMEA, such as VARTA, come from recycled sources. 

Clarios’s commitment extends to responsible sourcing, eco-friendly manufacturing, and continuous investment in sustainable battery chemistries, including emerging technologies like sodium-ion. 

This approach significantly reduces energy use and CO2 emissions, supporting a more sustainable future for mobility.

Conclusion

There you have it, straight from the experts at Clarios. We put in the work to bring you this exclusive conversation because at Arabwheels, we’re not just here to list car parts. We’re here to help you make informed decisions.

You already know that the UAE climate is brutal on batteries. But now you know precisely why VARTA designs its products the way it does. And more importantly, you know how to get the most out of your battery.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Check your battery before summer hits. 
• Use the right battery for your vehicle. 
• Always go to trained service centers for installation.

These are exclusive insights we secured carefully for our community. 

Stay tuned for more exclusive content like this. We’ll keep going the extra mile because your car deserves it. And so do you. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments.