September 2021

G iven the rapid emergence of lithium-ion batteries within the automotive sector following the development of EVs and hybrid vehicles, it begs the question – is there a future for traditional lead-acid batteries and, if so, how is this likely to shape-up? Already, original equipment battery manufacturers such as Banner have declared their intention to focus on developing the next generation of traditional Stop/Start lead-acid batteries; ones that will deliver further improvements in relation to charging and power output though the deployment of optimised cell design and other technology-driven design improvements. Looking at the evidence that is available to support such a decision, it appears that both leading industry analysts and the most studies undertaken on this all-important subject come to the same conclusion: the decision has been made for very good reason. Positive future Newly-elected Chairman of the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI), Dr. Christian Rosenkranz outlines a positive future for lead batteries. Indeed, he predicts a high-growth performance for lead-acid batteries over the coming years and sees it as a technology necessary for a decarbonised future. He stated: “Lead batteries will deliver a low carbon future, with market analysts, Avicenne Energy, predicting the lead battery market will increase by 61,000 MWh between 2025 and 2030. As is already well 40 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2021 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net We consider whether the traditional lead-acid battery is a relic of a bygone age, or if there is life in that old box yet THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT, FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES documented, lead batteries enable clean mobility in Stop/Start and micro-hybrid vehicles. These cleaner vehicles, which utilise advanced 12V batteries (lead batteries) for vital on-board functions and Stop/Start functionality, deliver up to 10% in fuel savings and reductions in carbon emissions. As such, it is predicted that the global demand for 12V battery technology will increase by 236 million batteries by 2040 - an increase of 63% in 20 years.” He added: “With vehicles representing more than 30% of final energy consumption in Europe, the transition to an energy-efficient, decarbonised transport sector is central to achieving its climate change targets.” Such confidence in the demand for lead-acid battery also emanates from a recent study commissioned by a consortium of industry associations including the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), the Association of European and Industrial Battery Manufacturers (EUROBAT) and the International Lead Association (ILA). Entitled ‘Automotive Battery Technology Trends Review’, with the authors being Ricardo Strategic Consulting, the study’s executive summary concluded: “Lead-acid batteries are the only technology capable of fulfilling all the major 12V requirements, from start-stop functions to reliable auxiliary batteries. No other alternative technology can achieve this functionality at this time.”