Last updated: February 2026
Key Takeaways
- Update frequency is the primary driver of battery drain—lowering from 5-second to 30-second updates dramatically extends battery life
- Standby mode is critical for battery conservation; trackers intelligently switch to low-power states when assets aren't moving
- Device size constraints make larger batteries impractical; external battery packs and hardwired solutions are viable alternatives
- Different asset types have vastly different power profiles—an idle trailer uses far less battery than a constantly moving delivery truck
- Battery optimization requires balancing performance needs with operational reality; choose the right tracker type for your specific use case
Battery life is certainly one of the real hot-button issues in the world of IoT and GPS. Everyone wants a tracker that can last longer on a single charge. Knowing what can affect the battery life of your device can really help you optimize the tracker, and keep you from being hindered by the battery.
At Hapn we have focused on battery life both from a performance perspective and from an education perspective. We make it front and center when viewing a specific tracker, and we try to alert you when the level dips too low.
What contributes to GPS tracker battery life?
First of the factors that impact battery life, is simply size. Batteries, especially the lithium-ion type used in our devices, have a minimum size to have the required effectiveness. The other side of the same coin, is we want to keep the device sized small enough to be versatile. For construction equipment and field service operations, this is especially critical since GPS tracking for construction equipment requires compact form factors.
This is the reason we cannot take the easy way and simply chuck a larger battery in our trackers, they lose some of what makes them versatile if we increase the footprint with a larger battery. That being said, there are devices currently in testing that do utilize a much larger battery and, consequently, have a much longer lifespan.
When we talk about the relationship of tracker performance and battery, we have to understand that GPS trackers update at set frequencies. The more often they update, the more active the frequency, the faster the battery will drain. This is also the reason trackers will go into standby mode when they are not moving. That saves a significant amount of battery during normal usage.
A trip calculated with a 5-second update frequency.
The trackers' reporting frequency when moving is the major factor when it comes to the battery life of your GPS trackers. If we have the tracker updating at the standard 30 seconds when moving, we can get much more battery life than if we were to update every 5 seconds. The scale is not quite linear, so the formula for calculating the battery life is not as easy as simply multiplying the updates by time.
A trip calculated with a 30-second update frequency.
The two images above show the difference in sheer data from two similar trips with different update frequencies. Each one of the blue dots in the trip trail is a position report, and each position report uses some device battery life. The performance on a 5-second update configuration is undoubtedly better, but the performance increase does come with a price.
Another contributing factor is how frequently is the tracker moving. If you are tracking a trailer that moves once a month, then you will get much more battery than a truck that drives 8 hours a day. The behavior of the asset must be factored into the anticipated battery needs when tracking.
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Getting the correct piece of hardware for the asset you are looking to track is the most important factor here. For instance, if tracking a vehicle, the OBD tracker alleviates battery concerns from the off. If you are tracking a stationary asset, then our weatherproof asset tracker is a strong choice. A more active asset, on the other hand, can benefit from something like a hardwired tracker, drawing power from the asset itself, rather than a battery. Understanding the best GPS tracker options for heavy equipment helps ensure optimal performance and battery management.
Accessories for the GL300 can increase the battery life of that specific tracker as well. The M4 and M6 battery cases multiply the battery life by allowing the tracker to connect to an external battery. This can be useful for assets and use cases that require an active, battery-powered device but need to maximize the lifespan. These battery packs are IP67-rated and connect easily to the GL300 tracker. They are a simple way to extend the battery life exponentially.
Another key software component is to utilize the low battery alert effectively. By configuring the alert to give enough time to reach the tracker and recharge it, you can mitigate unexpected low battery events. By staying on top of the battery status of the trackers, you can keep them running effectively for longer. The minute the battery dies on a tracker, the chance that it has changed position without you knowing increases, and that is something we want to avoid. Learning about geofence alerts and how they complement battery monitoring helps create comprehensive asset tracking strategies.
The Future?
We are actively looking at new and unique ways to solve, or at least change, the battery life conversation. One element that we are actively pursuing will change the way IoT and GPS users think about the performance to battery life relationship with their devices. Let's just say you won't have to guess what behavior to set your tracker up for, for much longer. More details on this exciting new feature coming soon. For fleet operators, understanding total cost of ownership for equipment rental includes battery management in long-term tracking strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does update frequency affect GPS tracker battery life?
Update frequency is the primary factor affecting battery drain. Trackers updating every 5 seconds consume significantly more power than those updating every 30 seconds. The relationship is not linear—doubling the update interval doesn't necessarily double battery life, but it provides substantial improvements. Choosing the right update frequency for your operational needs is critical for battery optimization.
What is standby mode and how does it help battery life?
Standby mode is an intelligent power-saving feature that reduces update frequency when a tracker detects no movement. When an asset is stationary, the tracker automatically shifts to a lower-power state, dramatically reducing battery drain. This is especially valuable for assets with variable usage patterns—like trailers that move sporadically or equipment used seasonally.
Can I extend my GPS tracker battery life with external batteries?
Yes, external battery packs like the M4 and M6 cases significantly extend tracker battery life by allowing connection to additional power sources. These IP67-rated accessories multiply battery capacity without increasing device size, making them ideal for high-activity assets or extended deployments. They provide a practical solution when device size constraints prevent using larger internal batteries.
Why is device size a limiting factor for battery capacity?
Smaller device size ensures versatility and mounting flexibility across different asset types. Adding a larger battery would increase the device footprint, making it unsuitable for items requiring discrete or compact trackers. This creates a design trade-off: balance battery capacity against practical usability. For assets where size isn't critical, hardwired trackers or external battery solutions are preferable alternatives.
How does asset movement pattern affect battery consumption?
Assets with different movement patterns consume different amounts of battery. A stationary trailer monitored monthly will use far less power than a delivery truck operating 8 hours daily. Understanding your specific asset's usage patterns is essential for choosing the right tracker type and configuration. OBD trackers for vehicles and hardwired solutions for heavy equipment solve battery concerns by using vehicle power instead.
Written by the Hapn Team — Hapn provides full-stack fleet and asset telematics for construction, rental, and field service companies. Learn more →
