VALVE REGULATED BATTERIES (AGM)

What is Start/Stop Technology?

This system allows the engine to be switched off in order to save fuel when the vehicle is temporarily idling

at traffic signals or during traffic jams.

Whenever the vehicle is standing still, all electrical devices are receiving energy from the battery and

act as an additional battery load. The engine restarts after each automatic stop, which also results in a

significantly greater number of high-rate load phases during the battery life cycle.

With legislation limiting vehicle CO2 emissions to 130 g/km by 2015 in Europe, it is commonly accepted

that 70% of all new vehicles will be stop/start fitted by this time. In their efforts to comply, car manufacturers

have been developing alternative means of electric propulsion and innovative equipment to reduce fuel

consumption. A complete line of new vehicle models is now emerging and given our local market will be

supplied by Vehicle Importers in the future, this will impact us also.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking systems are effectively used on vehicles with SS technology and hybrid/electric

vehicles to turn kinetic energy into electricity. Once the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator, the

regenerative breaking system converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy (rotational speed of the alternator) into

electrical energy. The friction generated inside the motor creates electricity that slows the forward motion of

the vehicle and generates power that is used to help recharge the battery. This technology varies for hybrid

electric and full electric vehicles.

Technology Design

Exide Batteries has a commitment to “Power the Future” through the delivery of Enhanced performance,

Extreme product life and Ultimate value to its customers. Modern vehicles with SS technology have created

new battery loading parameters forcing a new design from battery manufacturers to ensure the product

supplied is suitable. The SS battery is manufactured in a unique way using a high number of ultrathin plates

to ensure maximum cranking ability and along with this a significant amount of paste mixture to ensure the

battery can accept charge/discharge demands of stop-start quickly and regularly.

There are currently two different technologies being used by battery manufacturers for SS vehicles,

which is being driven by the vehicle manufacturer depending on what part of the world they are designed,

manufactured and driven in. The two types of technology are better known as; AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat

Stop-Start) and EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery). The AGM technology option is currently the favoured

technology throughout Europe including Audi, Volkswagon, Mercedes Benz and BMW and is the first choice

option in those markets, whereas the ASEAN region is heavily favouring the EFB technology including

Mazda and Subaru.