The Bolt2 has an internal back-up battery. This allows for external power removed alerts to be sent immediately if the unit is unplugged or dislodged, and tracking to continue for some time. 

When stationary, the device turns on the GPS periodically to get updated satellite information, speeding up subsequent fix acquisition. It will also heartbeat hourly by default. 

When on the move, the device is constantly connected to the network, and constantly acquiring GPS fixes (modem and GPS stay on) - to allow for detailed 'live-tracking'. 

On default settings (hourly heartbeat), approximate battery life is as follows:

• 10 days if sitting stationary
• 3.2hrs in trip

Adjusting in-trip parameters will not impact in trip battery life - so 3.2 hrs in trip is the maximum we will see. 

GPS Freshen Parameter

• When stationary, by default the device turns on the GPS every 2 hours to 'freshen' and update it's satellite information. This speeds up subsequent GPS Fix acquisition. When the next trip is started, it will get a fix quickly (often under 10 seconds)
• Setting this parameter to 0 disables the GPS freshen
  • This will increase battery life substantially
  • The device will take marginally longer to get a fix when a new trip begins

• Alternatively, the freshen could be extended to 4hrs (it starts to go stale after about 4hrs)
• Note the freshen only helps GPS performance if it succeeds anyway - i.e. if we are parked in a garage and can't see satellites, 'freshening' doesn't help us - as the device can't get the updated satellite data. 

In general, it is best to leave this parameter on default unless we have specific requirements.

Battery Life with 6hr heartbeat and Freshen Disabled

If we are in good cellular coverage (meaning uploads don't cost too much) - we can expect around 100 days!

• Bolt2 Battery Life Calculator.xlsx