Johnson Controls is adding a lithium titanate battery to its line of automotive battery offerings. The new 12-volt technology, the product of a collaboration with Toshiba, is designed to power Advanced Start-Stop vehicles.

“Johnson Controls is pursuing opportunities to develop evolutionary low-voltage energy storage systems that will help our customers meet increasing fuel regulations at a lower cost than a hybrid or electric vehicle,” said VP Lisa Bahash.

According to Johnson, the lithium titanate chemistry is effective at quickly recharging, works well in a wide range of temperatures and can be easily integrated into a vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system.

What Johnson calls an Advanced Start-Stop system has two batteries: a 12-volt Absorbent Glass Mat or Enhanced Flooded Battery, which starts the engine and powers accessories; and a 12-volt lithium titanate battery, which stores regenerative braking energy.

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“With an Advanced Start-Stop system, drivers could save up to 8 percent every time they fill up their gas tank, as the batteries enable the engine to shut off more frequently and for longer periods of time,” said Bahash. “The technology allows for greater fuel savings without major changes to the existing powertrain and electrical systems.”

The new 12-volt battery system will be produced starting in 2018.  

Source: Johnson Controls via Green Car Congress