S2 Battery

Lotus offer two other batteries types for the Elise S2. There is a larger capacity battery, for use in cold climates (i.e a lot colder than the UK). There is also an ultra-light gel battery which is 3.7kg lighter than the standard fitment one. The gel battery is fine for normal road use, although it is not recommended for use with a car fitted with the alarm as the battery life from fully charged to 40% charged (which will guarantee a start at 0°C) will only be about 12 days. With only the immobiliser draining the battery it will last for about 19 days. The standard battery will take 25 days to reach 40% charge with the alarm set. The Elise S2 also features a lights on warning buzzer to prevent accidental battery drainage.

The S2 provide a remote positive terminal under the dashboard which is permanently connected and has at least 50A spare capacity. This is provided for ICE and satellite navigation equipment. It can just be accessed through the radio slot in RHD cars. The Airflow battery conditioner has been used by lots of owners to solve the problem of the battery discharging through lack of use. Calamander sell this item over the web. Lotus now also sell one in their Elise mk II accessories brochure, part no. LOTAC05139 (UK version) and LOTAC05140 (European version). From the pictures it looks exactly like a Lotus badged Airflow product. A less sophisticated and cheaper product is sold by Race Technology.

Personally, I would recommend the Optimate III battery conditioner. I've used this on my NOT DEFINED and it is very good for keeping the battery alive when the car is not used over winter. It is also very good at reviving/charging flat batteries.

Unfortunately, you can't plug this into the cigarette lighter socket because it is switched into circuit via the ignition switch. Unless you modify the wiring to the socket, to bypass the ignition switch, it won't work.

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