“Johnson Controls sees opportunities for the development of evolutionary energy storage systems that offer even more fuel efficiency than Start-Stop at less cost than a hybrid or electric vehicle,” said Alex Molinaroli, president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.
“Even as Start-Stop vehicles become part of the mainstream in Europe and start to take hold in the U.S., Micro Hybrid technology has the potential to deliver the next level of fuel efficiency along the spectrum of vehicle performance, reaching upwards of 15 to 20 percent in fuel economy,” Molinaroli added.
Johnson Controls’ Micro Hybrid battery system leverages a dual voltage architecture that would involve a low voltage lead-acid battery and a 48 volt Lithium-ion battery. The solution enables optimization of energy generation and consumption, thus saving fuel.
The 48 volt battery could support higher power loads such as electric air-conditioning, active chassis technologies and the capture of direct regenerative power energy braking. The 12 volt battery would continue to provide power to the vehicle starter, interior and exterior lights, and entertainment systems such as radios and DVD players.
“We expect this technology to be adopted in Europe first, due to more stringent fuel economy and emissions standards, and then quickly move to U.S. markets in the next few years with mass adoption by 2020,” said Molinaroli.
Johnson Controls also said it has sold more than 18 million Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries since the technology launched in 2001, topping 4.5 million annually in Europe. AGM is the most advanced lead-acid battery and is ideal for Start-Stop systems, which help improve fuel economy in vehicles by 5 to 10 percent.
Start-Stop vehicle technology has taken off in Europe, with more than 70 percent of the new car build expected to include Start-Stop by 2017, and the global Start-Stop market for new vehicles reaching 35 million annually in that same timeframe. According to recent consumer research commissioned by Johnson Controls, 90 percent of Start-Stop vehicle owners in Europe say they are very satisfied and likely to purchase such a vehicle again.
Johnson Controls opens automotive battery recycling facility in Florence
Johnson Controls has opened an automotive battery recycling facility in Florence, South Carolina. With a capital investment of more than $150 million, the battery recycling facility represents 250 new jobs, and 1,000 indirect jobs in the area.