Germany’s automotive supplier Continental has launched enhanced flooded batteries (EFB) and absorbent glass mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries through its VDO brand.
The batteries are developed for vehicles with start-stop systems. The VDO battery portfolio includes nine different EFB and AGM batteries, targeted at the central European market.
The manufacturer said that compared to conventional lead-acid batteries, VDO’s EFB batteries are technologically optimised. The positive plates are equipped with a so-called mat glass insert, enabling low-resistance, rapid charging and discharging of the battery.
The company claimed that the EFB have twice the cycle stability of conventional starter batteries and the AGM up to three times.
The AGM batteries have been developed with microglass fibre mats that are integrated between lead plates and fix the battery acid. The internal resistance in the battery is very low meaning that higher levels of energy can be absorbed or emitted in demanding situations.
According to Continental, current statistics show that the starter battery continues to be one of the main causes of breakdowns and this is why the company decided to extend its portfolio.
Continental provides a two-year warranty for the VDO batteries.
Continental launched the new range at this year’s Automechanika Frankfurt show.