Banner Supplies BMW with AGM Batteries for Hybrid Project

From June 2007, Banner is to equip the BMW 1 and 3 series with AGM technology batteries, which have a lead-acid basis and employ glass fibre nonwoven mats. This product offers the special cyclical resistance, which is needed for use in BMW’s gentle hybrid concept. The recovery of brake energy and an automatic start-stop system reduce CO2 emissions without any loss of engine performance. Banner now offers the AGM batteries in OEM quality and wishes to further expand its co-operation with BMW.

From June 2007, Banner is to supply the BMW plant in Regensburg with a 90Ah AGM battery for standard inclusion in the BMW 1 (3/5 doors) and 3 Series (Coupé). During the remainder of 2007, around 50,000 of these batteries are to be supplied to BMW and subsequently, the delivery volume is to be systematically increased through the linkage of additional BMW plants.

The use of AGM technology by BMW became necessary due to the “Efficient dynamics” project series. This involved the introduction of a diversity of economy measures in the fuel consumption area and thus a reduction in standard CO2 emissions.

In this connection, BMW is also using a gentle hybrid concept (micro-hybrid), which places increased demands on the starter battery. The recovery of braking energy charges the battery during coasting, while in the case of acceleration, the in-board network is supplied exclusively from the battery, in order to ease the load on the dynamo. In addition, an automatic start-stop system is employed, which means that as soon as the vehicle is stationary, the engine switches itself off, before restarting automatically when the clutch is depressed to put the car into gear.

AGM technology quite literally stands the conventional battery world on its head, as the new battery can be turned upside down without losing a single drop of liquid. This is due to the highly porous non-woven mats made of glass micro-fibres (AGM), which entirely absorb the electrolyte liquid and thus bind it in. In addition, this feature is supplemented by the fully sealed casing with a registered design overpressure valve. Recombination technology ensures that the gas created during charging is converted into water, or in other words, recombined. During normal operation there are no losses of water and even if the battery casing is damaged, no liquid escapes. Conse-quently, the battery is absolutely maintenance-free.

As a result of its performance in comparison to standard batteries, the AGM battery, which is already available in two variations with capacities of 70Ah and 95 Ah in the retrofitting market under the product name, “Running Bull”, is ideal for vehicles in the top end category with a high energy requirement.
As Banner’s commercial CEO, Andreas Bawart, explains: “We have been supplying our products to BMW since 2006 in an excellent and harmonious co-operation. The latest AGM order demonstrates that BMW has faith in our innovative strengths and high quality consciousness. The future belongs to the AGM battery and is the optimum energy solution for micro-hybrid concepts, targeted on a reduction in CO2 emissions.”