Clarios and an unnamed European truck manufacturer are joining forces to develop 24-volt lithium-ion batteries for heavy-duty applications. They'll be offered through VARTA Automotive in Europe only, for the foreseeable future.
Clarios, already a global leader in advanced, low-voltage batteries designed specifically for mobility purposes, has identified the latest electrification trends in trucking when it developed its latest battery. These trends include "the integration of more electrical devices, such as parking, heating and cooling systems, to enhance driver comfort, and the implementation of x-by-wire technologies like brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire, are significantly impacting the low voltage-power network in commercial vehicles and trucks," per the official press release.
Like modern passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles are increasingly coming packed with Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), such as infotainment and connectivity, thus increasing the necessity for a stable electrical architecture. For example, current energy demands often require up to 30 percent more battery capacity during an overnight stay, and many of the latest apps contribute to higher electrical loads and anti-idle limitations. This results in deeper discharge cycles of up to 80 percent on a daily basis.
“Battery failure can account for as much as 20 percent of a truck’s downtime,” said Federico Morales Zimmermann, vice president and GM, global customers, products and engineering at Clarios. “Our new 24-volt Lithium-Ion battery for heavy-duty fleets not only addresses this challenge by reducing downtime but also introduces advanced energy management capabilities that optimize the overall efficiency of fleet operations. By integrating smart diagnostics and predictive maintenance features, these batteries allow operators to anticipate and prevent failures before they occur, resulting in significant savings on emergency repairs and premature replacements. We are planning to market this development in EMEA under VARTA Automotive, Europe’s leading brand for low-voltage batteries, further solidifying our position as innovators in fleet electrification and power management solutions.”
Clarios says its lithium-ion system is tough enough to handle the harsh vibrations of over-the-road trucking and, additionally, integrates easily with all necessary safety and autonomous-driving functions. This added performance allows for overnight stays without idling and powers the low-voltage network, enabling cabin creature comforts like over-the-air software updates.
The company adds it's also exploring other types of battery chemistries for future use, specifically sodium-ion.
