One of the product focuses on the Bosch stand at Automechanika Birmingham was on the company’s enhanced range of batteries to cope with demand for vehicles equipped with start/stop systems.  With this type of technology now maturing and restrictions being place on the ability to override the systems, demand for start/stop batteries is now on the rise.

David Sanfey of Dublin based Bosch Battery distributor Electro Maintenance was at Automechanika to offer some insight into latest demand patterns. He said, "Batteries for start/stop system vehicles have been slower to take off in sales terms than many anticipated, however, in more recent months we have started to see much more demand. We are getting more and more requests for AGM and EFB batteries especially for models from BMW, Ford and Mercedes and we anticipate this trend will gather even more pace as we come into the colder weather.”

David says that Electro Maintenance has increased both it range and depth of stock for this growing battery sector in recent months and that they are in a good position to cater for demand for all start-stop system battery requirements.

The Bosch range is based around the S5 A AGM technology battery which is suitable for systems with higher demands and regenerative braking. The design offers longer service life and up to 4 times higher deep-cycle resistance compared to conventional starter batteries. These maintenance free batteries offer constant power even for short trips, stop-and-go traffic or high consumption in stationary mode. They have excellent charge acceptance and starting power with several electrical devices.

Bosch S4 E EFB batteries are suited to start/stop systems with lighter electrical demands. They also offer a longer service life as well as doubled deep-cycle resistance compared to conventional starter batteries. They deliver reliable starting even under extreme temperatures and with several electrical consumers. S4 batteries also provide excellent charge acceptance and short distance stability.