December 12, 2024: Clarios said on December 5 its new Connected Services business unit had signed its first commercial agreement with a European fleet operator for a product aimed at reducing idling times in heavy-duty vehicles.

The lead giant said last September that the unit represented a new era of battery intelligence to transform the management of vehicle power systems.

It is designed to maximize the benefits of heavy duty Clarios AGM batteries sold by VARTA Automotive in the EMEA region.

Now, following a pilot program with an unnamed commercial fleet customer, Clarios said the program is being rolled out to additional vehicles in the client’s fleet.

By reducing idling times, Clarios’ solution can significantly reduce fuel consumption, the company said.

Data from the pilot project indicates savings of up to €1,300 ($1,400) per vehicle annually and a reduction in CO₂ emissions by around 2,500kg per vehicle per year, Clarios said.

The company said its system has been continuously refined to meet customer needs, including algorithm adjustments to better account for energy influences from solar panels and hydraulic systems.

Federico Morales-Zimmermann, VP and general manager for global original equipment customers, products and technology at Clarios, said the milestone underscored demand for innovative solutions that reduce costs and contribute to sustainability.