Market Trends of Europe SLI Battery Industry
Automotive End User Industry to Witness Significant Growth
- The automotive end-user industry stands as a cornerstone of the Europe SLI (Starting, Lighting, and Ignition) battery market. This sector encompasses a diverse array of vehicles, including passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks, all of which depend on SLI batteries for critical functions.
- According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, automobile production in Europe has been witnessing consistent growth since 2020. Between 2022 and 2023, production increased by more than 13%, whereas the annual average growth rate in the past five years was over 2%. This signifies the growing production of automobiles in the region, which in turn drives the SLI batteries market.
- The European automotive landscape, renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality, has been instrumental in molding the SLI battery market. Manufacturers continually push the boundaries of battery technology, striving for enhancements in performance, durability, and environmental sustainability to meet the evolving needs of modern vehicles and stringent regulatory requirements.
- For instance, in May 2023, Portuguese start-up C2C-NewCap pioneered GO-START, an eco-friendly supercapacitor module poised to revolutionize the energy storage landscape. Backed by the EU-funded HYCAP project, the company has not only set up pilot production lines but also honed its supply chain for the market debut of the inaugural commercial iteration. The comprehensive package features a deep-cycle battery, boasting a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional SLI batteries, tailored to power a vehicle's electrical accessories.
- The growing adoption of start-stop systems and mild hybrid vehicles, for instance, has necessitated the development of more advanced SLI batteries capable of withstanding frequent charge-discharge cycles and delivering higher power output. This shift has not only driven innovation in battery design but has also reshaped the competitive landscape of the SLI battery market in Europe.
- The automotive manufacturing sector in Europe has undergone significant transformations in recent years, propelled by a confluence of factors, including stricter emissions regulations, the accelerating transition toward electrification, and shifting consumer preferences. While these changes have predominantly affected powertrain systems, they have also had cascading effects on auxiliary components like SLI batteries.
- Therefore, as mentioned above, the automotive end-user industry is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
Germany to Dominate the Market
- Germany, as a powerhouse of the European automotive industry, plays a pivotal role in the European Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) battery market. The country's manufacturing capabilities in this sector are formidable, leveraging a rich history of industrial expertise and technological innovation. German SLI battery manufacturers have established themselves as leaders in production efficiency, quality control, and technological advancement.
- The manufacturing industry is one of the leading contributors to the German economy, which has reached pre-pandemic levels since 2020. In 2023, the manufacturing sector contributed 18.96% to the German GDP, an increase of 2.81% compared to 2022. This signifies the growing manufacturing sector in the country, which drives the demand for SLI batteries.
- Companies in the country have invested heavily in state-of-the-art production facilities, incorporating high levels of automation and robotics to ensure consistent quality and high output volumes. The manufacturing landscape in Germany is characterized by a mix of large-scale producers capable of mass production and smaller, specialized manufacturers focusing on niche markets or high-performance applications.
- Recent trends in the German SLI battery market reflect broader shifts in the automotive industry towards electrification and increased vehicle electrification. While the transition to electric vehicles has impacted the traditional SLI battery market, it has also created new opportunities. German manufacturers have been quick to adapt, developing advanced SLI batteries capable of meeting the increased power demands of modern vehicles equipped with start-stop systems and regenerative braking.
- There's a growing trend toward the production of Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, which offer improved performance and longevity compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. These advanced batteries are particularly well-suited to the demands of modern vehicles with sophisticated electrical systems and numerous power-hungry accessories.
- This trend is pronounced in the new products launched by the battery manufacturers. For instance, in March 2024, Trojan Battery Company bolsters its global battery market offerings by introducing two DIN-size batteries to its Trojan AES family. These new additions, the TE35-AES and 5SHP-AES, inherit the hallmark features of Trojan AES AGM batteries. This translates to enhanced value and return on investments for original equipment manufacturers and rental firms, with the added benefit of reduced equipment downtime for end users.
- Therefore, as per the abovementioned points, Germany is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.