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BATTERY BASICS

What is a battery?

A battery is an electrochemical device that stores and delivers energy. Energy is chemically stored in the battery. When the terminals of the battery are connected, electrical energy passes through the circuit, providing power on demand.

Automotive batteries

Automotive batteries are typically 12-volt, rechargeable lead-acid batteries. They supply power to the starter and ignition system, and to internal clocks and computers. They also supply extra power when the vehicle’s electrical load exceeds the supply from the charging system and act as voltage stabilizers.

Made of up to 80 percent recycled materials, automotive batteries contain five basic components:

• Positive plates
• Negative plates
• Separators – usually a micro-porous polyethylene synthetic material
• Polypropylene container
• Liquid electrolyte – better known as battery acid

The average life span of an automotive battery in the United States is three to five years. 

More about automotive batteries

Battery manufacturing

Innovation has been the hallmark of Johnson Controls from our earliest days, and we continue that focus today. We are the world’s leading manufacturer of lead-acid automotive batteries, producing more than 130 million annually. Our 50 manufacturing, distribution and recycling facilities across the globe are designed with pollution control in mind, and are maintained and permitted per government requirements.

With dedicated research and development centers worldwide, our 13,000 employees continue to break new ground in the development of advanced batteries. Through our innovations we are building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles. We were the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles.

More about our manufacturing process
More on our innovative Power Solutions

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