Automotive

Batteries are at the heart of the automotive industry, powering everything from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations. These energy storage solutions ensure reliable performance, efficiency, and safety, driving the future of transportation.

Automotive Batteries: Powering the Road Ahead

Automotive batteries are the most familiar energy storage product for most Americans. This includes traditional 12-volt lead batteries used for starting vehicles, as well as lithium-ion power supplies that drive the performance of electric vehicle (EV) drive trains. More modern vehicle electronics may also require a 48-volt system to support high-tech conveniences like advanced infotainment systems, driver assistance technologies, and electric power steering.

Whether for personal vehicles, electric cars, or public transportation systems, modern battery technology is crucial to ensuring vehicles operate safely and efficiently. The automotive industry continues to evolve with innovations in battery design and performance, paving the way for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions that meet the needs of today’s drivers and future advancements in mobility.

City bus that provides public transportation.

Personal and Public Transportation

In the United States, over 290 million cars and trucks are relied upon for personal and public transportation, providing the mobility needed for both work and leisure. Each vehicle is powered by advanced battery technologies that ensure reliable performance, safety, and efficiency.

Batteries also play a key role in public transportation, safely powering millions of vehicles that transport Americans approximately 34 million times each weekday. This is just a fraction of the 1 billion vehicles currently on the road globally, each relying on robust battery systems to support power, performance, and essential safety features.

Start-stop technology made possible by lead batteries.

A Sustainable Power Source: Start-Stop Technology

Start-stop engine technology, made possible by advanced lead batteries, reduces fuel consumption and emissions by stopping the engine when the car comes to a full stop, and seamlessly restarting when the brake is released. In the U.S. this means nearly 10 million tons of greenhouse gasses are eliminated each year.

When the engine is off, start-stop lead batteries save fuel. This can yield fuel savings ranging from 5% to 10% depending on driving conditions. Utilizing this technology is one of the most affordable ways for drivers to cut fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Traditional, electric and hybrid-electric vehicles all depend on lead batteries for starting, lighting, ignition (SLI) functions, which can also support start-stop technology and a more sustainable future.

View Our Start-Stop Infographic

Engine start-stop icon.
Start-stop technology lowers fuel consumption by up to 10% and eliminates nearly 10 million tons of GHG emissions annually in the U.S.

Every Electric Vehicle Requires a 12V Battery

To address increasing government mandates, vehicle manufacturers have created five vehicle electrification platforms, including autonomous vehicles. Each serves as a steppingstone to greater electrification; all require one or more 12V low-voltage batteries, typically a 12V lead battery.

Plug-in hybrids – or (P)HEVs – and fully electric vehicles (EVs), including autonomous vehicles, will require a mix of battery chemistries working in tandem: Lithium-ion for motive power and lead batteries for auxiliary power functions.

Chart on types of vehicle electrification.

The bottom line: Lead batteries are a trusted solution to support the gradual move from traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) to EVs. Plus, with their 99% recycling rate, lead batteries further boost the sustainability profile of EVs and lead-battery supported charging stations.

View Our Information Brief on Electric Vehicles and Autonomous Vehicles

Electric vehicle information brief cover page.
EV onboard functions powered by lead batteries.

Powering Onboard Functions in Plug-In Hybrids and EVs

Advanced, low-voltage lead batteries in (P)HEVs and EVs are the behind-the-scenes heroes we often take for granted. A high-voltage battery pack (often lithium-ion) provides a vehicle’s motive power. But the sheer number of onboard electric functions in today’s vehicles requires an additional low-wattage battery (often a lead battery) to power the many critical safety, security, comfort and entertainment functions.

When a Vehicle is Off – Lead Batteries Keep Us Connected
  • Starts the car
  • Keeps electronics functioning
  • Manages process to charge the vehicle
When Driving – Lead Batteries Keep Us Powered
  • Powers accessory loads
  • Reserves motive power
In an Emergency – Lead Batteries Keep Us Safe
  • Powers low-voltage system if high-voltage battery fails
  • Ensures electric brakes and steering still function
  • Powers emergency reporting systems
Powerful Facts
  • 20 years ago, a new car had 20 individual electronic functions. Today, there are more than 150.
  • Over the past 10 years, the peak power needs of a vehicle have increased nearly 50%.

Watch Our Webinar: Industry Experts Share Insights on U.S. Energy Storage Related to EV Platforms

Lead Batteries Work in Tandem with Lithium-Ion

Most of today’s (P)HEVs and EVs use a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack to power the electric motor that provides vehicle traction. A 12V low-voltage lead battery provides the critical auxiliary power for virtually all other nonmotive electrical functions.
Electric vehicle with lead battery and lithium-ion battery pack callouts.
Electric vehicles charging at an EV charging station.

Powering EV and Hybrid Charging Stations

A vast, reliable charging-station network will help accelerate the adoption of more electrified vehicles. Lead batteries store and provide power at EV charging sites – even during extreme weather and peak demand times.

Charging station developers, automakers and government are rolling-out more lead-battery-supported EV charging stations to provide safe, convenient power. That supports the deployment of fast-charge-enabled charge points in more locations and at lower cost using existing grid infrastructure.

A lead battery offers significant benefits:

  • Provides a domestically sourced energy storage solution for clean and green EV charging.
  • Regulates and ensures power at EV charging stations.
  • Stores energy from multiple electrical sources (grid power, fuel cell, wind or solar).
  • Maintains a nearly 100% recycling rate, ensuring feedstock for new lead batteries, which typically consist of 80% recycled material.

View Our Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Fact Sheet

From ICE to EVs to Charging Stations: Batteries Power the Automotive Industry

Batteries play a critical role in the automotive industry, supporting everything from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs and the charging infrastructure that keeps them running. As transportation technology advances, various battery types work together to ensure reliable performance, safety, and efficiency on the road.

Essential Automotive Battery Technologies

  • Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) Batteries – Nearly every new car and truck, regardless of powertrain, includes a 12V auxiliary battery for essential functions such as starting the engine, powering lights, and running onboard electronics. These batteries remain a vital component in traditional gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

  • Start-Stop Technology – Many modern vehicles use start-stop systems to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Automakers have long favored lead batteries for this function, with hybrid vehicles incorporating start-stop technology from the start.

  • New Cars and Replacement Batteries – Lead battery manufacturers continue to provide new and replacement batteries for the millions of ICE vehicles already on the road. The aftermarket accounts for 77% of the SLI battery market, ensuring that drivers have reliable power solutions for years to come.

  • EV and Hybrid Battery Systems – While lithium-ion battery packs power the drivetrains of electric and hybrid vehicles, they still require a 12V auxiliary battery—often lead-based—to support functions like safety systems, infotainment, and electronic controls.

Batteries also play a vital role in EV charging stations, providing backup power and helping stabilize the grid to ensure reliable charging availability. As EV adoption grows, energy storage solutions will continue to support a resilient and efficient charging infrastructure.

Battery energy storage systems to support DC fast chargers.

DC Fast Charge and Energy Storage Together Protect Infrastructure

EVs offer many benefits to consumers and the environment. However, the industry still faces a major challenge — developing an EV that charges in the same amount of time it takes to fill an ICE vehicle.

Both level 1 and level 2 charging options utilize alternating current (AC) outlets to conveniently charge EVs at home or at a destination where travelers have long periods of time available to recharge. Yet, these options fall short if you don’t have multiple hours to recharge.

Direct Current (DC) fast charging also known as level 3, allows an EV to charge from near zero percent state of charge (SOC) to 80% in 15 to 45 minutes depending on the model of EV. This is a great solution for those needing to get back on the road quickly. However, DC fast charge rollout does come with infrastructure and peak demand challenges for those who install these stations that must be overcome.

Ways that coupling battery energy storage systems (BESS) with DC fast chargers can alleviate these challenges:

  • During peak usage periods, the battery system can provide significant amount of required power to minimize spikes in demand and mitigate costly demand charges for site owners.
  • Locations without sufficient incoming power infrastructure can utilize energy storage as a buffer between the incoming grid power and the power being used to charge EVs providing a more level load on the grid.

Download Our DC Fast Charge Coupled with Energy Storage Info Brief

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Lead batteries have a bright future, and some incredible innovations are on the horizon.

Roger Miksad, President, Battery Council International