September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 AFTERMARKET 41 Complex what is it about lead-acid batteries and how they are produced that drove them to arrive at this summary? To begin with, through 2030, the future of the European vehicle parc will comprise of a complex suite of partially and fully-electrified products, including micro-hybrids, mild- hybrids, full-hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. Almost all light-duty vehicles are likely to feature a 12V board net, and therefore either a 12V Starting Light Ignition (SLI) battery, or a 12V auxiliary battery. As background, globally over 400 million 12V lead-acid batteries are produced each year to supply both OEMs and the aftermarket. In Europe, around 60 million batteries are required each year. Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries provide significant improvements compared to conventional lead-acid flooded batteries in charge acceptance and cyclical durability, and have been developed for micro-hybrid applications. Indeed lead-acid batteries, especially EFB and AGM ore extremely stable and durable in comparison to competing technologies. Failure modes and safety of lead batteries are also well understood by the battery supply chain. Furthermore, for SLI applications they are covered by established European and International standards, including battery testing procedures and service requirements. However it is the field of recyclability that lead-acid batteries steal a march, something Banner’s CTO Thomas Bawart was keen to emphasise: “Combinations of 12 V lead-acid starter batteries and lithium-ion-based, high- voltage drive batteries are standard to the latest EV and hybrid vehicles, and this will remain the case in the coming years. The main advantage lead-acid brings to the fore, however, particularly in relation to today’s modern and highly efficient absorbent glass mat (AGM) and enhanced flooded batteries (EFB), is their sustainability.” He concluded: “Banner’s environment-friendly Stop/Start batteries not only help to save considerable quantities of fuel, they are designed and manufactured to deliver the highest collection ratio of all recyclable goods, including glass and paper. “Such a positive recyclability performance, certainly from a Banner perspective, centres on their proven closed production cycle, one that extends from manufacture to recycling and which is based on a process of continual enhancements, minimisation and prevention with regard to environmental impact. Not surprisingly, as a founder member of the Starter Battery Environmental Forum (UFS), Banner demonstrate a recycling quota of virtually 100%, and this has been driven by the investment over many years of several million Euros annually in environmental protection measures. As a result, the Banner production process today utilises 98% recycled lead, whilse 80% of battery box material consists of polypropylene recyclate. Furthermore, since 2015 the company’s entire electricity needs have been supplied by renewable energy sources, 60% of which is used for battery charging.” From a global perspective, given that the proven performance of lead-acid batteries goes hand-in-hand with their ability to help deliver a decarbonised future, it is safe to say that their use in modern vehicles will continue for many years to come. The future of such technology looks bright indeed.