While light weight, high temperature resistance and an environment-friendly quality are some of the key attributes driving smart batteries' uptake in medical and electronic devices, lead acid batteries combining advanced microprocessor-regulated conditioners and built-in chargers are gaining in popularity in the automotive sector,” Nadkarny said.

Researchers in Germany are leveraging smart batteries’ simple charging scheme and low temperature performance advantages to create a smart energy management (SEM) system. The microprocessor-based SEM uses an electric heater to maintain power supply to vehicles even in extremely cold temperatures, with the electric heater ensuring that the temperature of the battery cells is optimum based on the state-of-charge and state-of-health situation.

Nadkarny’s report, “World Smart Batteries: Technology Overview,” is part of Frost & Sullivan’s Energy and Power vertical subscription service. The report evaluates current and likely future trends in smart battery markets worldwide.