Start-Stop Technology growth worldwide prompts the increase in AGM battery production to meet rising automaker demand.
In the next 5 years it will be difficult to buy a new vehicle does not feature Start Stop technology. Start-Stop technology continues to gain in popularity as tightening government fuel economy and carbon emission reduction targets put additional challenges on car makers from around the world. AGM battery technology is at the heart of a Start-Stop system, which delivers consumers as much as 5 percent fuel savings every time they fill up their gas tank. Start-Stop technology automatically shuts off the engine when the car is idle and restarts it when the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal. During this time, the vehicle’s electrical systems, from entertainment to lights, uses energy from an advanced lead-acid battery (AGM) rather than the gas-powered engine, thus saving fuel.
The market for new vehicle and aftermarket Start-Stop batteries could rise to 56 million worldwide by 2020, compared to 22 million today. In this time frame, 85 percent of all new vehicles in Europe and 40 percent in the U.S. and China are expected to be powered with Start-Stop batteries. The expectations are for a steady growth in Start Stop technology due to the impact on CAFÉ ratings for the O.E. manufacturer.
Compromising as much as 60-65% of the European market and growing, we see the changes coming rapidly to the domestic market here in America. The expectations are that the American market will soon meet a 40% Start Stop market share.
Be aware that not all AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are created equal, Johnson Controls is a leader in the development of AGM batteries and will showcase its AGM batteries, along with its latest technological advancement, a 12V Lithium-ion battery for Advanced Start-Stop vehicles, at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. The show runs from September 17 to 27. With the addition of a 12V Lithium-ion battery, automakers can increase fuel economy efficiency by up to 8 percent.
