Johnson Controls’ AGM batteries power Ford Fusion Auto Start-Stop vehicle

Johnson Controls estimates that over the next five years, Start-Stop vehicles with Johnson Controls' AGM batteries will reduce CO2 emissions by 12.6 million tons and save more than 1.2 billion gallons of fuel.

Johnson Controls, Inc. is providing its advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology to power Ford Motor Company’s 2013 Fusion Auto Start-Stop vehicle.

According to Johnson Controls, AGM batteries are a proven advanced energy storage solution for Start-Stop vehicles in Europe, where the company has manufactured more than 18 million since 2001 and now produces more than 4.5 million annually. According to recent consumer research commissioned by Johnson Controls, 90 percent of the Start-Stop vehicle owners in Europe say they are very satisfied with the technology and are likely to purchase such a vehicle again.

Johnson Controls is now supplying the same AGM technology in the U.S. with batteries that are being manufactured at its facilities in St. Joseph, Mo. and Toledo, Ohio.

“AGM technology is ideal for Start-Stop applications because it is better equipped than traditional batteries to support electrical loads while the engine is off, and power deep cycling associated with frequent starts and stops,” said Ray Shemanski, vice president and general manager of the Original Equipment Group for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “AGM batteries help our customers improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance while consumers see immediate economic benefits.”

AGM batteries used in a Start-Stop system help reduce fuel consumption as the engine shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop in traffic or at a red light. The battery restarts the engine when the driver’s foot releases the brake pedal or engages the clutch.

According to the company’s research, 97 percent of U.S. consumers say they are ready for Start-Stop vehicles, which are rapidly becoming an industry staple in Europe. Ford is one of the first automakers to offer it in this country.

Johnson Controls estimates the global Start-Stop market for new vehicles could reach 35 million annually by 2017. The company is investing $140 million to grow AGM manufacturing capacity to 6 million in the United States at its facilities in St. Joseph, Mo. and Toledo, Ohio.

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