AGM technology-based lead-acid batteries are now considered a high-performance choice, engineered to provide dependable starting power, enhanced durability, and a possibly extended lifespan relative to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Amid the increasing demand for cutting-edge battery technology in the automotive sector, Exide Industries Ltd is poised to launch a new Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery specifically designed for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) applications. The AGM-based lead-acid batteries are currently regarded as a superior performance solution for vehicles, crafted to provide enhanced starting power, superior durability, and the potential for a longer lifespan when compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
In its annual report, the company highlighted that several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are shifting towards more sophisticated AGM batteries. Consequently, Exide is in the final stages of preparing to roll out these SLI AGM batteries to both the domestic and international markets. Exide has observed that SLI-AGM batteries are becoming the favoured option for modern vehicles that incorporate energy-conserving technologies such as regenerative braking, which captures and stores energy in the battery rather than wasting it.
The company emphasized that the demands from OEMs have evolved to a point where only the advanced, sealed AGM batteries can fulfill their specifications. Exide anticipates that SLI-AGM batteries will account for a significant share of all battery requirements for four-wheelers, especially passenger vehicles. The development of the SLI-AGM batteries is being carried out in partnership with East Penn Manufacturing in the USA, targeting both local and global automotive markets. While Exide has not specified an exact timeline for the release, it confirmed that the launch is imminent.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Kolkata-based company reported revenues exceeding Rs 16,000 crore, with the automotive division contributing approximately 70 per cent of its total business. Additionally, Exide is establishing a Gigafactory in Karnataka for the production of lithium-ion cells, boasting a total planned capacity of 12 GWh. The facility’s initial phase, set to have a capacity of 6 GWh, is slated for completion between 2022 and 2025.
Exide maintains a strategic alliance with SVOLT Energy Technology Co Ltd, a China-based firm that specializes in developing and manufacturing lithium-ion batteries and storage solutions for various uses. Through this partnership, Exide has secured rights to utilize and market SVOLT’s technology and expertise in lithium-ion cell manufacturing.
Recently, Exide also announced partnerships with South Korean automotive giants Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Corp. This collaboration aims to equip future electric vehicles in the Indian market with locally produced lithium-ion batteries that utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.
