Glendale-based Johnson Controls announced it is investing $245 million into AGM battery production in North America. The technology includes start-stop systems.
Michael Andrew, the director of academics and technology in the engineering department at Johnson Controls, said the start-stop system,"offers the advantage of being able to turn off the engine during what would otherwise be a normal idling event."
Drivers will notice the tachometer drop to zero and feel a slight pulse as the engine stops. When the gas pedal is pressed, the engine perks up as if it was running continuously.
Andrew said the battery has been tested for cold, Wisconsin winters. "It will do the start-stop well. It will also do the conventional cold crank as well as, or better than the conventional battery," he said.
The goal of the start-stop system is to save gas and reduce emissions without compromising any vehicle features.
"The vehicle operates in the same way, same power, same torque, same operating features, and it's a very economical solution with a relatively short pay back time," Andrew said.
Johnson Controls says by 2020 most new cars produced will be equipped with start-stop batteries.
