Introduction
Asset managers responsible for fleets of vehicles, containers, and equipment constantly juggle visibility versus maintenance. Traditional GPS tracking devices demand frequent attention – they need battery replacements every few months or wired power, adding maintenance overhead and interrupting operations. The ideal solution is a tracker you can deploy and practically forget about, one that keeps working reliably for years without intervention.
Enter the GPT50 ultra-long-standby GPS tracker from EELink. The GPT50 is purpose-built to be low-maintenance. Powered by a massive battery and smart power management, it can run for up to 10 years on a single charge, sending regular location updates the entire time. For asset managers, this promises a new level of operational simplicity: once a GPT50 is installed on an asset, you won't need to touch it for the next decade. This article examines how the GPT50 achieves its extraordinary longevity and why that translates into peace of mind and cost savings for asset-intensive businesse
A Decade-Long Battery – The Heart of Low Maintenance
The core of GPT50's low-maintenance design is its battery system. Inside the device is a high-capacity 24,000 mAh lithium battery optimized for long standby life. But it's not just about size – it's about smart engineering that squeezes maximum life out of each charge:
Zero self-discharge chemistry: Unlike typical Li-ion batteries that slowly lose charge even when unused, the GPT50's lithium-manganese battery has negligible self-discharge. This means if you attach a tracker to an asset that doesn't move for months, it will still have almost the same charge when the asset finally deploys.
Sleep more, work when needed: The GPT50 spends most of its time in an ultra-low-power sleep state. It wakes up on a set schedule (for example, once per day) to transmit a location report, then immediately returns to sleep. This duty cycling is how it achieves multi-year life. In default mode, the tracker can operate for up to 10 years with once-daily pings.
Event-driven wake-ups: In addition to scheduled check-ins, the device can wake instantly if something important happens. A built-in accelerometer detects motion or vibration – if the asset starts moving or is picked up, GPT50 can send an immediate alert. Conversely, when an asset is stationary, the tracker remains in deep sleep. This intelligent wake-up system prevents unnecessary transmissions during storage and reduces standby current draw.
On-demand live tracking: When real real-time tracking is required – say an asset is missing or stolen – an asset manager can remotely switch the GPT50 into Emergency Mode. In this mode, the device initiates rapid, live location updates (over LTE-M/NB-IoT or even 2G) until the event is resolved. Emergency mode uses more power, but its selective use preserves battery life. Once the situation is under control, the tracker automatically reverts to standby mode.
Thanks to these design choices, the GPT50 delivers true set-and-forget operation. For context, a conventional asset tracker with a small battery might last a few weeks of active use before needing a new battery or recharge. By contrast, deploying GPT50 units means potentially a decade of tracking with no battery swap. Asset managers can dramatically reduce the manual labor of checking devices, scheduling maintenance rounds, and handling battery logistics. In large fleets, the savings in work hours and downtime are enormous – not to mention the peace of mind knowing that your trackers won't just die unexpectedly in the field.
Always Connected, Everywhere
Long battery life is only useful if the tracker can reliably communicate its data. GPT50 excels here as well by using modern IoT-focused networks that ensure connectivity across the globe. It supports LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT networks, along with a fallback to 2G for areas that haven't upgraded, so the device can log on and transmit virtually anywhere your assets go. These low-power cellular networks are ideal for a device like this: they offer broad coverage (even inside warehouses or in remote regions) with only a fraction of the power draw of standard 4G LTE.
In practical terms, an asset manager can deploy GPT50 trackers on equipment or shipments that travel internationally without worrying about losing contact. Whether a container is deep in a ship's hull crossing the ocean or a pallet is in a basement storage area, the tracker can find a signal. The multi-band cellular module covers a range of LTE frequencies used worldwide, automatically roaming to the appropriate bands as the asset moves region to region. And with the built-in SIM and roaming profiles, it's as close to "configure once, track anywhere" as it gets.
Complementing the cellular link, GPT50's positioning system uses multi-constellation GNSS – tapping into GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo satellites – for precise location fixes. This multi-GNSS capability means better coverage and faster time-to-first-fix, which is particularly helpful in urban environments or under light cover where one satellite system alone might struggle. Even if GPS signals are temporarily blocked (say, a container inside a cargo ship), the device can leverage its last known position and nearby network signals to keep providing an approximate location. The bottom line is that asset managers get continuous visibility of their property – if there's an opportunity to phone home, GPT50 will get the message through
Proactive Alerts from Integrated Sensors
Keeping maintenance low isn't just about power and connectivity – it's also about reducing the need for physical inspections by providing remote, proactive monitoring. The GPT50 comes loaded with sensors that allow it to act as an eye and ear on your asset's condition:
Temperature monitoring: Every GPT50 contains an internal thermometer to measure ambient conditions. Users can set safe temperature ranges, and the device will automatically send an alert if temperatures stray outside those bounds. For cold chain applications – say a pallet of perishable food or vaccines – this means you don't have to manually check thermometers or rely on drivers to notice a failing chiller; the tracker notifies you in real time to save the goods before they spoil.
Tamper and light detection: The tracker's enclosure hides a light sensor that serves as a tamper switch. In normal use, the device is mounted in darkness (e.g., under a pallet or inside a sealed container). If that status changes – someone unbolts the tracker or opens the container door – light hits the sensor and triggers an immediate tamper alert. You'll know right away if an unauthorized person is messing with the asset or if a shipment is opened prematurely.
Motion and shock detection: The built-in accelerometer not only optimizes power use but also acts as a security and handling sensor. It detects sudden movements, impacts, or unusual vibration patterns. For instance, if a piece of equipment that should be stationary starts moving in the middle of the night, GPT50 can flag that event via the cloud platform, possibly indicating theft or unauthorized use. Similarly, strong shock readings might indicate the asset was dropped or mishandled, prompting immediate investigation.
These sensor-driven alerts turn the GPT50 into more than a passive tracker – it's an active guardian for your assets. Problems are surfaced to asset managers immediately, rather than being discovered days or weeks later during routine checks. This not only reduces losses and damage but also cuts down on manual inspections. Your team doesn't have to frequently travel to verify if equipment is safe or cargo is at the right temperature; GPT50 has it covered remotely. Essentially, the device acts like a diligent supervisor that is always on duty, yet it doesn't require any supervision itself.
Rugged and Reliable in the Field
A low-maintenance tracker must be able to survive in the field for years. If devices start failing due to water ingress, extreme temperatures, or rough handling, you lose the benefits of long battery life. The GPT50 addresses this with an industrial-grade build ready for harsh environments:
IP67 waterproof and dustproof: The unit's casing is sealed against dust and can even withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep. Rain, splashes, or dusty construction sites won't faze this tracker.
Wide operating temperature range: The electronics are rated to function from -20°C to +75°C, covering both deep-freeze conditions and scorching heat. Whether it's a frigid warehouse or a container crossing a desert, the GPT50 keeps working without needing special attention or climate control.
Shock-resistant housing: The device's design and mounting method help it absorb bumps. It can be securely screwed under a pallet or bolted to equipment, and once in place, it sits low-profile to avoid knocks. The internal components are potted or cushioned to resist vibration damage. This means it can ride on a truck or machine for years without shaking apart.
Compact, concealable form factor: Despite its large battery, GPT50 remains relatively compact (about 13×10×3 cm, ~350 g). It's designed to recess into pallet boards or attach unobtrusively to assets. This keeps it safe from prying eyes and reduces the chance of accidental damage. A thief might not even realize a pallet or container is being tracked, and a forklift operator can handle a pallet normally with the device installed.
Because of this ruggedness, you won't find yourself replacing the units in the field. They are meant to endure the same environments as the assets they're tracking. For asset managers, that's critical – a device that fails due to environmental exposure could create as much maintenance headache as one that fails due to battery drain. GPT50 avoids both by having the stamina and toughness to truly last.t.
Driving Down Total Cost of Ownership
From all the above, it's clear how a tracker like the GPT50 can significantly reduce the ongoing costs of asset tracking. Key areas of savings include:
Labor and downtime: With up to 10-year battery life, the need for routine battery changes or charging cycles is virtually eliminated. Technicians don't need to round up devices every few months for service, and assets don't have to be taken out of operation just for tracker maintenance. This frees up labor hours for more productive work and keeps equipment in service longer.
Replacement hardware: A long lifespan means you purchase and install trackers far less often. Many cheaper trackers might only last a couple of years before their batteries degrade or they break; GPT50's durability means one device can cover what might have required 3–5 devices (and installations) over the same period. Fewer replacements and site visits directly translate to a lower total cost of ownership.
Loss and spoilage prevention: While it's harder to quantify, preventing even a single theft or catching a major temperature excursion in time can save tens of thousands of dollars in lost product or equipment. By providing that protective oversight automatically, GPT50 can pay for itself by averting one big loss alone. Over 10 years, those avoided incidents add up substantially.
Asset management is often about efficiency and maximizing utilization of resources. The GPT50 fits perfectly into that philosophy: it increases the useful uptime of your tracking system (because it's always on and rarely offline for maintenance), and it reduces the resources you must devote to keeping that system running..
Expert Insights & Implications
With an integrated 24,000 mAh lithium‑manganese battery and carefully tuned sleep/wake logic, the GPT50 doesn't merely store charge—it sips power. Firmware‑driven duty cycles ensure that location reports and sensor checks consume only microamps most of the time. For asset managers accustomed to swapping batteries every few weeks or months, deploying a device that can outlast the useful life of the asset itself represents a step‑change in operational simplicity.
Beyond endurance, GPT50’s value lies in the situational awareness it delivers. LTE‑M/NB‑IoT connectivity and multi‑constellation GNSS keep the device online in warehouses, containers and remote yards, while its temperature, light and motion sensors feed a continuous stream of condition data. This allows fleets to move from reactive to proactive management—receiving automated alerts when a freezer compartment warms, a pallet is moved after hours or a container door
Long‑life tracking also has real financial implications. Eliminating annual battery replacements and minimizing device swaps reduces technician hours and equipment downtime; rugged IP67 housing and wide temperature tolerances mean you’re not paying for replacements every time a unit gets wet or jarred. Viewed over a decade, these savings dwarf the upfront cost of the tracker.
In an era of tight labour markets and volatile supply chains, technologies like the GPT50 illustrate how purpose‑built IoT devices can scale oversight without scaling headcount. By pairing extreme battery life with rich sensor data, they free skilled staff to focus on value‑added tasks while ensuring that critical assets are never out of sight, out of mind.
Fequently Asked Questions
How long does the GPT50 battery actually last?
EELink designed the GPT50 around a 24,000 mAh lithium‑manganese battery and a duty cycle that lets the radio sleep for days at a time. In normal mode, the device wakes up once every 24 hours to send a location report and health check, then drops back into a microamp‑level sleep state. Under these conditions, lab tests and field deployments show that a single charge can deliver close to a decade of service. If you increase reporting frequency, battery life scales accordingly—even weekly reporting will still give you many years of runtime.
What networks and positioning technologies does GPT50 use?
The tracker communicates over LTE‑M (Cat M1) and NB‑IoT low‑power cellular networks, with automatic fallbacks to legacy 2G in regions that haven't upgraded. This means the device can log on virtually anywhere without the high energy cost of a 4G data session. For location it leverages multi‑constellation GNSS (GPS plus other satellites) and can also estimate its position from cellular base stations when GNSS signals are weak or unavailable.
Which sensors are built in?
Every GPT50 incorporates a digital thermometer, a light sensor and a three‑axis accelerometer. The temperature sensor continuously tracks ambient conditions and raises an alert if cargo leaves a safe range. The light sensor doubles as a tamper switch—if someone removes the tracker from the darkness under a pallet or opens a container, the sudden change triggers an alarm. The accelerometer detects motion, vibration and tilt, allowing the platform to flag impact events and to switch the radio into a higher update rate only when the asset is moving.
How rugged is the GPT50?
The enclosure is IP67‑rated against dust and water ingress and is designed to survive long‑term outdoor exposure. Internal electronics are potted to absorb shock, and the tracker can tolerate temperatures from ‑20 °C to +75 °C. Its low‑profile design lets you screw or bolt it to a pallet or trailer without risk of snagging, and once installed it operates for years without attention.
What kind of return on investment can I expect?
Over a 10‑year horizon, the true cost of ownership of a GPT50 is dominated by the purchase price. Eliminating annual battery swaps and reducing device turnover means technicians aren't pulled away from more valuable tasks, and fewer site visits translate directly into labour savings. At the same time, proactive alerts help prevent spoilage, theft and unplanned downtime. When you amortise these benefits across an entire fleet, the tracker often pays for itself long before the decade is up.