Johnson Controls today announced it is providing its advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) automotive battery technology to power Chevrolet’s 2014 Malibu featuring Start Stop technology.
The technology will increase the 2014 Malibu’s fuel economy by an estimated 5 percent. In a Start Stop system, the car’s engine will shut off when the driver comes to a stop or idles. The AGM battery will power devices during the stop mode and restart the engine when the driver’s foot releases the brake pedal.
“AGM technology is better equipped than traditional batteries to power the deep cycling needed for frequent starts and stops,” said Ray Shemanski, vice president and general manager of the Original Equipment Group for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “With 5 percent fuel savings, drivers will see immediate economic benefits with Start Stop at a competitive price when compared to hybrid and electric vehicles.”
In Europe, Johnson Controls has sold more than 21 million AGM batteries since 2001 and now produces more than 4.5 million annually.
The company estimates that more than 80 percent of the new cars built in Europe are expected to include Start Stop technology by 2018. Start Stop vehicles are estimated to grow to 40 percent globally and 35 percent in the U.S.
Chevrolet spokesman Chad Lyons said, “We offer Start Stop technology in some of our European products, but the new Malibu’s Start Stop system is the first standard in an automatic car for GM overall.”
The batteries that will power the Malibu will be manufactured in St. Joseph, Mo., and Toledo, Ohio.
