Although early alternators had a much lower capacity than those fitted in today s vehicles, it was enough to allow car manufacturers to introduce more electrical devices. The cavernous space under the bonnet was soon filled with a vast array of new electrical and mechanical components - it is difficult to imagine now how great the desire was for something as simple as a radio or electric windscreen wipers.
And it did not stop there. Electrical circuits and motors continued to replace manually operated handles and levers over the years. At the same time, the trend was towards sleeker, more compact body styling. More driver controls, security and comfort devices have placed more strain on the battery. Although still referred to as an SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) battery, its role has become more vital to make everything in modern cars work correctly.
The global shift led by European car manufacturers towards Start-Stop cars in order to cut fuel consumption and reduce
CO2 emissions has put the lead-acid battery once more into the spotlight: Advanced battery designs are needed since Start-Stop batteries have to work much harder and withstand the additional strain of many more thousands of starts during their lifetime.
As a world-leading manufacturer, Exide has constantly met the challenges to make batteries work harder for longer. Exide works with major vehicle makers to produce latest OE batteries that meet an exact specification, deliver constant performance and have excellent lifespan.
Exide applies the same dedication to the manufacture and supply of aftermarket batteries a vital component in modern cars. For trouble-free motoring, it is important that both installers and end-users replace batteries with the best-quality matching original part.
The lead-acid battery has come a long way since the historical introduction of the car alternator in the early 1960s. Previously, the number of electrical devices in a vehicle was limited by the older DC generator, or dynamo as it was also known.
THE VITAL COMPONENT IN MODERN VEHICLES
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