VARTA Automotive Pioneers Connected Services for Heavy Duty Vehicles with New Client

In a significant milestone, VARTA Automotive, a leading name in advanced battery technologies under the Clarios umbrella, has successfully attracted its first client for innovative connected services tailored for heavy-duty vehicles. This development comes after a successful pilot project demonstrating the efficiency of a new solution designed to minimize unnecessary engine idling, a common challenge for fleet operators in the commercial sector.

The Impact of Engine Idling

Unproductive engine idling not only leads to increased fuel costs but also contributes significantly to harmful emissions. VARTA's new product addresses this issue head-on, aiming to reduce idling times by an impressive 40%. The financial implications are substantial, with projected savings of approximately €1,300 per vehicle annually, alongside a reduction of about 2,500 kg of CO₂ emissions for each vehicle over the same period. This achievement underscores the growing demand among fleet operators for solutions that not only cut costs but also promote environmental sustainability.

A Collaborative Approach

The inception of this product follows the Clarios Connected Services launch at the IAA Transportation event in Hannover, Germany, in September 2024. The pilot program, conducted in conjunction with a European fleet operator, showcased the solution's effectiveness in reducing idle times. Based on these positive results, VARTA is now working to expand the implementation of this technology across the client's fleet.

Theres Gosztonyi, Vice President of Aftermarket EMEA at Clarios, emphasized the importance of this achievement: "This milestone highlights the demand for innovative solutions that not only reduce costs but also contribute to sustainability. The solution is a win-win for our clients and the environment."

Real Savings and Environmental Impact

The data gathered from the pilot project illustrates the tangible benefits of this new solution. By curtailing idle times, fleet operators can expect significant reductions in fuel consumption, ultimately aiding their environmental targets while simultaneously lowering operational costs. The solution also emphasizes the necessity of monitoring the total cost of ownership (TCO) for truck operators, reflecting a crucial aspect of fleet management.

Customer-Centric, Continuous Improvement

The success of this innovative approach is attributed to the seamless collaboration within Clarios, harnessing the expertise of teams based in Glendale, USA, and Hannover, Germany. Christina Yarnold, Director of Product Management for Connected Services at Clarios, stated, "This achievement demonstrates the strength of teamwork within Clarios. By leveraging our R&D expertise and keeping an open line of communication with our fleet customers, we have developed a solution that exceeds expectations and tackles real-world challenges."

The product has been continually refined to meet customer needs, incorporating technological enhancements that account for energy influences from solar panels and hydraulic systems. Designed to complement VARTA's high-performance AGM batteries, this solution maximizes energy efficiency for heavy-duty applications, which are known for their demanding energy requirements.

Intelligent Data Analytics for Enhanced Efficiency

Additionally, the new solution equips fleet operators with real-time insights into vehicle and battery performance, further optimizing energy management. This is critical for heavy-duty vehicles equipped with sleeper cabins, ensuring driver comfort and safety without risking unexpected battery depletion.

Looking Ahead

As Clarios remains at the forefront of the commercial vehicle industry with its connected services and multi-battery systems, it is dedicated to enabling fleet operators to prepare for a future driven by advanced algorithms and real-time analytics. This innovation is set to reshape energy management in vehicles, contributing to the digital transformation of the industry. The new idling reduction solution is expected to be rolled out under the VARTA brand across EMEA in 2025.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Clarios is positioned as a global leader in low-voltage battery technologies, powering a diverse range of vehicles, as evidenced by their presence in one-third of the cars on the road today. Committed to sustainability, Clarios aims for 100% recyclability of its products while ensuring the recycling of 8,000 batteries every hour through its network. This commitment to environmental responsibility solidifies Clarios's role as a driving force in the industry, aligning economic efficiencies with ecological sustainability.