Start-Stop: A New Era In Battery Technology
As part of its on-going education programme, Manbat continues to communicate with CAAR members at events such as the recent CAAR Trade Show at the Forest of Arden, to explain the developments, challenges and opportunities presented by technological advances in battery design.
We are all conscious of the need to protect the environment and to reduce global CO2 emissions and these topics present the car industry with enormous challenges, particularly with the advent of new EU regulations that will come into force next year.
The directive will require vehicle manufacturers to reduce the maximum level of CO2 emissions across Europe to just 130 g/km. This will result in a substantial increase in the demands placed on vehicle batteries because in order to meet the target, vehicle manufacturers are going to need more than just improvements in engine management systems; they will also require innovative battery technologies.
This development makes the issue of ‘hybrid technology’ more relevant than ever and vehicle manufacturers are considering a number of hybrid solutions. However, micro hybrid vehicles - which are generally referred to as Start-Stop vehicles - are set to become the most prominent. There are already around 2.8 million vehicles equipped with Start-Stop technology and the number is expected to rise to 30 million by 2015.
Batteries from Johnson Controls make up the vast majority of OEM batteries fitted to these micro hybrid vehicles and its aftermarket VARTA Start-Stop battery range reflects this position, with five VARTA Start-Stop with EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) technology and five VARTA Start-Stop Plus with AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) technology batteries in the line up.
VARTA Start-Stop batteries with EFB technology are ideally suited to vehicles with a standard, entry-level Start-Stop function.
When the engine is switched off, they provide the vehicle’s electrical system with a reliable power supply and ensure that the engine restarts in a fraction of a second. Furthermore, they boast twice as much cyclic stability as conventional batteries and can be allowed to discharge more without any loss of functionality.
VARTA Start-Stop Plus batteries are the perfect solution for vehicles featuring advanced Start-Stop technology with regenerative braking and additional fuel-saving technologies. Only the specially developed VARTA Start-Stop Plus batteries with AGM technology can meet the challenges imposed by these systems.
Compared to VARTA Start-Stop batteries, VARTA Start-Stop Plus batteries offer even greater performance and versatility, and are capable of reliably supplying power to an even greater range of devices.
Manbat is positively encouraging members to make preparations to gear up to deal with this new generation of batteries and as the approved supplier of VARTA batteries, they are perfectly placed to cater for the requirements of members looking at how to address this changing marketplace.
For further details, please call Manbat customer services on: 01743 460790 or visit: www.manbat.co.uk
