12-Volt batteries have been a key feature on cars for many decades, but with a growing emphasis on electric vehicles is the future of this standard battery now in doubt? Pan-European battery distributor, Ecobat Battery, believes that despite changes in technology demand for 12-volt batteries will remain strong, and that as a company it is perfectly placed to meet this demand. 

Since the AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery was adopted as the original equipment fitment for micro-hybrid (start/stop enabled) applications, Ecobat Battery, has been at the forefront of this technology. 

However, although the vehicle manufacturers had made AGM, and subsequently, the enhanced flooded battery (EFB) their primary power storage solution, because motorists chose to override the start/stop function in their vehicles, these batteries were not failing at the age that was originally anticipated. This anomaly was simply because they were only making a fraction of the number of starts they were designed to. This was also combined with reduced vehicle usage and changing driving habits, especially during lockdown. 

Research undertaken by Ecobat Battery reveals that although in 2019 just 6% and 1% of battery replacements were AGM and EFB respectively, by 2022 the figures were 15% and 5%. Moreover, this trend will continue and is forecast to achieve double-digit growth every year to reach 28% and 12% in 2027, just four years from now.

This development is reflected in the product portfolios of battery manufacturers, such as Exide and VARTA, significantly increasing the AGM and EFB range they offer, not just to address the need for replacement batteries for start/stop vehicle applications, but new energy vehicles (electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles) as well.

The reason for this range expansion is that, irrespective of the primary drive system of the vehicle, combustion engine, engine combined with a 48-volt or 350-volt battery, or a 400-volt battery in a fully electric vehicle, a ‘traditional’ 12-volt AGM/EFB battery is also fitted. Once again, this is a long term trend as VMs recognise the need to ensure their vehicles have a suitable and reliable reserve power supply, should the battery used in the drivetrain be exhausted

So, the reality for the independent aftermarket is that although the primary function of these 12-volt batteries will evolve, from starting the engine to servicing increased electrical load and critical safety functions, the demand for OE quality replacement batteries will remain for the foreseeable future, which is good news for the replacement battery sector.