Johnson Controls is providing its advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology for use in the all-new 2015 Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America’s No. 1 selling vehicle. This is Ford Motor Co.’s first truck with auto Start-Stop.
AGM batteries used in a Start-Stop system help reduce fuel consumption as the engine shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop in traffic or at a red light. The battery keeps the vehicle’s accessories with electronic systems on, and then restarts the engine when the driver’s foot releases the brake pedal or engages the clutch.
“AGM batteries are ideal for customers with sophisticated power demands as the technology has four times the cycling durability of a conventional battery,” said Lisa Bahash, vice president and general manager of the Original Equipment Group for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “AGM batteries help our customers improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance delivering immediate economic benefits to consumers.”
Over the next five years, Start-Stop vehicles with Johnson Controls AGM batteries are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 14.8 million tons and save more than 1.6 billion gallons of fuel. Ford is one of the first U.S. automakers to offer the Start-Stop functionality.
The 2015 Ford F-150 became available to drivers in late 2014. In 2013, Johnson Controls began supplying batteries for Ford’s Fusion Auto Start-Stop vehicle. The company also makes the seats and supplies the interior hard trim for the 2015 Ford F-150.
Johnson Controls estimates the global Start-Stop market for new vehicles could reach 38 million annually by 2020.