Can-Crank capacitors are now available from Ottawa’s Cantec Systems for the starting needs of engines in all sizes. These 12- and 24-volt electric-double-layer capacitors (EDLC) are available in several sizes, dependent on application. They’re safe and fully compliant, says Cantec, to meet the demands of today’s accessory-laden vehicles in on- and off-highway work.

The company says these capacitors have more engine-cranking power than four group 31 batteries. They can repeatedly crank your engine to higher rpm more quickly than batteries, it’s claimed, and they can be fully recharged in less than 10 seconds. They’re especially useful for vehicles that have been parked for a long period of time with the accessories left on.

The capacitors have been specifically designed and engineered for the heavy-duty market, says Cantec, with models available to crank engines from 200 to 600 hp, 8 to 18 liters.

Cantec capacitors have significant design and performance benefits over lead-acid batteries, the company says. The main benefit, aside from serious cranking power, is that they separate the engine-start function from the truck’s batteries and thus extend their lives, as well as those of the starter and alternator. They’re compliant, by the way, with ECM, I/O and other on-board electrical interfaces and they operates in the same nominal voltage range of the vehicle’s electronics (12/14.5 or 24/29 volts). They can be recharged in less than 10 seconds even from depleted on-board batteries. They’re also maintenance-free and can be mounted in any orientation.

Other features include an epoxy-resin sealed case that’s non-corrosive; deep-discharge capability with a life in excess of 500,000 cycles; and in a typical application will weigh 87 lb while measuring 22 in. L x 7 W x 9.5 H.