Exide IT500 150Ah Tall Tubular Battery
Independent review of the Exide Inva Tubular IT500 — 150Ah tall tubular inverter battery for Indian homes.
The Exide Inva Tubular IT500 is one of the most widely installed inverter batteries in India, and it has earned that position through consistent performance rather than aggressive marketing. At 150 Ah in a tall tubular configuration, it sits in the sweet spot for most Indian homes with moderate to heavy power cut frequency.
Performance
In real-world testing with a 900 VA inverter running a 400-watt load (3 fans, LED lights, TV, and router), the IT500 delivered approximately 3.5 to 4 hours of backup on a full charge. This is in line with its rated capacity after accounting for the typical 80 percent depth of discharge recommended for lead-acid batteries. Charge acceptance is good — the battery reaches full charge in about 8 to 10 hours on a standard inverter charger.
The tall tubular design uses thicker positive plates with a tubular gauntlet construction, which resists corrosion and active material shedding far better than flat plate alternatives. This directly translates to longer cycle life — expect 1,200 to 1,500 cycles under normal Indian household conditions.
Pros
- Excellent cycle life for a lead-acid battery — comfortably delivers 4 to 5 years with proper maintenance
- Wide availability and strong dealer network for exchange and replacement
- 36+18 month warranty (36 months full replacement, 18 months pro-rata) is among the best in segment
- Consistent manufacturing quality from Exide's established production lines
- Good resale value on exchange when replacing
Cons
- Requires periodic distilled water topping — every 2 to 3 months in hot climates
- Weighs approximately 52 kg, making installation and movement cumbersome
- Higher initial cost than flat plate alternatives, though justified by longevity
Who Should Buy This
The IT500 is the right battery for homes facing 2 to 5 hours of daily power cuts where reliable, long-lasting backup is the priority. Pair it with a 900 VA to 1100 VA pure sine wave inverter and you have a setup that will serve a standard Indian household for years without surprises.
Verdict: The workhorse of Indian inverter batteries. Not glamorous, but dependable — and dependability is what matters when the power goes out.