One of the technologies set to significantly reduce carbon emissions of our cars is the humble start-stop function.
During the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, it became clear that carmakers were catching on to the fuel-saving technology also known as micro-hybrid technology.
The function conserves energy by shutting off the engine whenever the car stops, such as at a traffic light. The decrease in fuel consumption results in savings of up to 12 per cent, and lower CO2 emissions.
Leading supplier of stop-start technology, VARTA says demand from carmakers for its AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery is growing. Since the adoption of Stop-Start technology in the BMW 1 Series, more than a million micro-hybrid cars with VARTA AGM battery power have been sold in Europe. The AGM battery is an integrated component within the micro-hybrid battery management system, also supporting more advanced features such as regenerative braking, intelligent voltage control and alternator control through passive boost in some models.
As car manufacturers are forced to respond to CO2 reduction targets set by the EU by introducing smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles, Johnson Controls European Automotive Product Manager Tony Miller predicts that micro-hybrid models will soon become a mainstream player in the new car market.
“More and more consumers are now being influenced EU initiatives for city access restrictions and fines on vehicles with high CO2 emissions,” he says.
A recent survey by Capgemini showed that 61 per cent of consumers either currently own, or plan to make their next car purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle, and suggests that in the near future, CO2 emissions will become an important factor in car buying decisions.
“From our perspective as the leading supplier in Europe with over 80 per cent of the original equipment market, AGM batteries required for Stop-Start are set to move from niche market to core product line for both original fitment and component replacement with our VARTA Ultra Dynamic AGM battery range in the aftermarket,” he adds.
Cars now fitted with VARTA AGM technology now include TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk’s ‘Green Car of the Year’ 2009; the Volvo C30, plus many models within the Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Land Rover and Volkswagen ranges.
