Varta AGM Batteries Support Stop-Start Technology

The electronics revolution behind major improvements in auto economy, braking, stability and ride comfort has necessitated a techno-overhaul for the car battery to underpin these functions. Luxury car brands like Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls Royce were the first to turn to suppliers like Varta for AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries to cope with increased electrical and electronic consumption, and they have been being swiftly followed by mainstream models like the Audi A3, VW Golf and Passat, not to mention London’s black cab fleet. Now BMW is set to fit a Varta AGM battery as original equipment to the new Mini out later this year to meet the increased electrical demands of the Stop-Start technology it is adopting for this substantially revised model. Varta is Europe’s only supplier of AGM technology batteries to the original equipment market to date, and has a number of long term development programmes with carmakers to support their quest for increased vehicle efficiency and performance improvements.

Stop-Start technology conserves energy by shutting off the engine whenever the car stops, such as at a traffic light. The engine automatically restarts when the driver pushes the accelerator to move off again.

AGM batteries provide far greater cycle durability and recharge acceptance than conventional lead acid or even calcium-silver batteries, hence BMW’s decision to specify AGM batteries for reliable performance in the new Mini.

This new battery technology uses special micro-glass fibres in-between the battery plates to fix the electrolyte. This increases the bonding of the active plate material between the plates and the electrolyte, which substantially increases the life span and electrical performance of the battery. It also enhances vibration resistance and ensures that it is 100 per cent spill proof.

The technology has been developed to cope with the dramatic increase in the electrical consumers in modern cars. The average power consumption in 1990 was 950 watts. Now, thanks to electronic engine management, ABS, air bags, air conditioning, electric seats, DVD and satellite navigation, at least 3500 watts is consumed.

Varta has already launched a range of aftermarket AGM batteries to meet demand for replacement should the original equipment battery fail. Its AGM Ultra dynamic battery exactly mirrors the specification and quality of products supplied to vehicle manufacturers as OE. Available with 70 and 95 amp/hour ratings, these products cover 92 per cent of the potential replacement market.

Upgrade option for fully loaded vehicles

“Our AGM battery also provides an upgrade option for owners of vehicles like large MPVs and 4X4s who want to install extra equipment such as DVD players for rear seat passengers – the battery simply slots into the same base plate as conventional starter batteries –but it is important to remember that the reverse process will not work,” says Varta Product Manager Tony Miller. “This new battery does a job a conventional battery just cannot do, so when it comes to fitting a new battery on a vehicle equipped with AGM as original equipment, car owners must insist on like for like replacement to avoid any technical and warranty problems further down the line.”