Expanding its manufacturing operations in China, Johnson Controls is beginning production of advanced lead-acid batteries for start-stop vehicles. Johnson Controls estimates that by 2020, 40% of vehicles in mainland China will be using start-stop technology. Start-stop technology turns off the engine when the vehicle stops, and turns it back on when the driver releases the brake pedal.
Available for electric and non-electric vehicles. Start-stop technology has the potential to improve fuel efficiency by more than 5% compared to conventional batteries. Since the engine is at operating temperature when these starts and stops occur, it does not consume more fuel the way it would during a cold start.
Were excited to announce the delivery of our first batch of locally-manufactured batteries to power start-stop vehicles for local and global automakers in China, said Kenneth Yeng, vice president and general manager, Johnson Controls Power Solutions China.
The company said the global start-stop market for new vehicles could reach 49 million annually by 2020. In China, the company predicts 40 percent of all new vehicles will be Start-Stop in this time frame.
Start-Stop is the best technology to help automakers meet increasingly strict environmental regulations while saving consumers money, as it requires minimal changes to the vehicle and costs significantly less than hybrid or electric vehicles, said Lisa Bahash, group vice president and general manager Original Equipment, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.
The company added it recently began making Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) at its facility in Changxing, China for use in Start-Stop vehicles. Johnson Controls also has plans to localize production of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries to support demand for fuel-efficient Start-Stop technology as part of the companys complete portfolio of energy storage products.
Johnson Controls also debuted its 12-volt lithium-ion battery for Advanced Start-Stop vehicles at the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. The 12-volt Lithium-ion battery can increase fuel economy efficiency by up to 8 percent.
Last year, Johnson Controls signed a supply contract to produce start-stop batteries for SAIC Motor. Recently, Shanghai GM, a joint venture between SAIC and General Motors, announced that start-stop technology would be used in all its models by 2017.
China represents the major growth market for Johnson Controls. The companys commitment to growing its business in China is evidenced by its building of a second global headquarters in Shanghai, which will open in 2017.
