GPS trackers are widely used for vehicle monitoring, asset management, logistics, and personal security. One common question people ask is: do GPS trackers need a battery? The short answer is yes—most GPS tracking devices require a reliable power source to function continuously and accurately.
How GPS Trackers Are Powered
All GPS trackers need electrical power to operate their internal GPS module, cellular modem, and microcontroller. Depending on the type and use case, GPS trackers can be powered in two main ways:
- Hardwired Power: Connected directly to a vehicle or machinery power system (typically 12V or 24V). These units rely on the host system’s power supply and may have a small internal backup battery.
- Battery-Powered Trackers: Portable GPS trackers that operate independently from any external source. These are essential for asset tracking, wildlife monitoring, or personal safety devices.
Why Battery Power Is Critical
Battery-powered GPS trackers offer flexibility and portability. They can be installed anywhere without wiring, making them ideal for tracking trailers, shipping containers, tools, or equipment. However, power efficiency becomes crucial, as GPS and cellular modules consume energy during data transmission.
To achieve long-term performance, many industrial-grade GPS trackers use high-energy-density batteries designed for low self-discharge and wide temperature tolerance.
3.6V Li-SOCl₂ Battery – The Ideal Choice for Long-Life GPS Trackers
Among all power options, the 3.6V Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li-SOCl₂) battery stands out as one of the most reliable for GPS tracking applications. Here’s why it’s so widely used:
- High Energy Density: Provides up to 700 Wh/kg, ensuring long operational life in compact form.
- Low Self-Discharge: Less than 1% per year, making it suitable for multi-year use in idle or standby tracking modes.
- Wide Temperature Range: Performs reliably from -55°C to +85°C, ideal for outdoor or harsh environments.
- Stable Voltage Output: The 3.6V nominal voltage ensures stable operation for sensitive GPS electronics.
These features make the Li-SOCl₂ battery a top choice for manufacturers and integrators designing maintenance-free, long-life GPS tracker systems.
Backup Power for Hardwired GPS Trackers
Even when connected to a vehicle or fixed power source, GPS trackers often include a small internal lithium battery as a backup power supply. This ensures continuous tracking during temporary power loss or tampering. In many cases, this backup cell is also a compact 3.6V lithium battery for reliability.
Conclusion
Yes — GPS trackers need batteries to function properly. Whether fully battery-powered or equipped with a backup cell, reliable energy storage is essential for consistent location reporting and communication. For long-lasting performance, 3.6V Li-SOCl₂ batteries remain one of the best solutions thanks to their stability, high energy density, and long shelf life.
If you’re developing or sourcing GPS tracking devices, choosing the right battery is key to ensuring dependable performance over years of operation.
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