The European Union aims to cut vehicle-related carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent from 2021 levels by 2030. As a result, automakers must quickly introduce vehicles with zero or negligible emissions (measured in grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer driven). Due in large part to these mandates, the electrification process is speeding up, and by 2025, IHS predicts that about a third of all newly registered vehicles will be electric. By 2030, hybrid and fully electric vehicles will account for more than half of Europe's new car market. VARTA is well positioned for electrification of Europe's vehicle fleet thanks to its growing xEV portfolio, bolstered by introducing new battery technologies.
High-voltage lithium-ion batteries power the drivetrain in electric vehicles. For added convenience, a 12V battery powers the inside electrical system, which runs the air conditioning and other convenience and safety features. This guarantees that the electric vehicle continues functioning even when the high-voltage battery is removed from service. The 12V battery makes it possible to lock and unlock the car, get wireless updates, and activate the alarm system while the vehicle is parked, among other things. It keeps the car's lights, brakes, and steering in working order, even if the high-voltage system suddenly goes out and the driver needs to pull over.
Electric vehicles require 12V batteries with greater capacity that can withstand frequent charging and discharging.
VARTA AGM xEV batteries were explicitly designed for EVs and are compliant with OEM standards. Clarios, the maker of the VARTA brand of batteries, dominates the original equipment market for all major automakers and manufacturers of commercial vehicles, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and the Volkswagen Group. Clarios batteries are installed in 60% of all new European cars. VARTA AGM xEV batteries are future-proof in design, meaning they can serve the needs of electric and hybrid vehicles now and in the future.
To complement its line of AGM xEV batteries, Clarios also offers a variety of other battery options, including lithium-ion batteries, for use in high-drain scenarios. They are capable of withstanding extreme conditions and adapting to many uses. Superior battery life and usage result from their high charging capacity and tolerance for several charging cycles. Our low-voltage products enable automobiles to have enhanced Start/Stop functions, which can increase fuel economy by up to 8%, and mild-hybrid powertrains, which are over 15% more fuel-efficient than combustion engine vehicles.
To meet market demands and encourage growth, VARTA is continuously expanding its xEV portfolio, which now accounts for 97% of all xEVs. Hybrid and fuel cell vehicles benefit significantly from the compatibility of our 12V batteries with high-voltage batteries, as this allows for the most efficient operation, a constant supply of power, and the implementation of essential safety measures.
The number of electric vehicles being built in garages is rising significantly. One factor is replacing the 12V batteries in older hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. The workshops will have to adapt to new problems due to the radically different servicing routines required for electric cars.
To ensure that our workshops are always up-to-date, we are constantly revising our course curriculum to reflect the latest advancements in automotive technology. For instance, it may be challenging for a mechanic to detect the batteries in an electric vehicle because of their sometimes concealed locations. The VARTA Partner Portal now has all the details on the battery's location and helpful tips for replacing it. Almost every electric or hybrid vehicle in Europe, including those using state-of-the-art AGM batteries, is included in the VARTA Partner Portal database.
