AGM for Start-Stop. Absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology uses a glass mat separator to maintain the electrolyte around the positive grid. Tight-fitting components exert uniform, high-pressure on the plates in the battery and reduces the effects of vibration. The sealed, valve-regulated battery delivers improved cycle life—a challenging requirement in a a start-stop application—and high energy throughput.

Johnson Controls estimates the global Start-Stop market for new vehicles, powered by AGM batteries, could reach 35 million annually by 2017. To support this growth, it is investing $520 million globally to increase production in the US, Europe and China.

Johnson Controls has manufactured more than 18 million AGM batteries—initially launched in Europe—since 2001, and now produces more than 4.5 million annually in Europe.

Micro Hybrid battery. The Micro Hybrid battery system combines a 12-volt starter battery and a 48-volt Lithium-ion battery. In prospective development programs with key Chinese automotive customers, Micro Hybrid technology could provide 15 to 20% fuel savings in vehicles, according to Johnson Controls. The company has now introduced the Micro Hybrid battery to the North American, European and Chinese markets.

Micro Hybrid systems have huge potential to support the automotive industry’s needs at a much lower cost than hybrid or electric vehicles, and therefore, offer a mass-production solution that can be leveraged across our customers’ fleets.

—David Cue, global executive director of Original Equipment Business Development, Johnson Controls Power Solutions

The 48-volt battery can support higher power loads such as air-conditioning, active chassis technologies and the capture of direct regenerative power energy braking. The 12-volt battery will continue to provide power to the vehicle starter, interior and exterior lights, and entertainment systems such as radios and DVD players.