VALVE REGULATED LEAD ACID (VRLA) BATTERIES MARKET ANALYSIS

Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries are used as a main storage energy, owing to its unique properties such as power density, elimination of gassing, safety profile, and low maintenance cost. This battery is also used for power applications that conventionally depend on cells, which include portable electrical devices and other applications that require affordable large-scale power storage and off-grid power systems. The valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries have two types: the absorbed glass mat (AGM) and Gelled electrolyte (Gel).

Market Trend Analysis

Major factors affecting growth of the valve regulated lead acid batteries market are increasing consumption of these batteries in the automotive industry mainly in two wheelers. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the production and consumption of two wheelers was significantly high and accounted for about 78.6% of the total automotive sector in the country, for example, two wheeler industry recorded sale of 1.42 million units in October 2016 in India. VRLA batteries gives the superior cranking power and better resistance to vibration and reliable battery also provide low self-discharge.  Valve regulated lead acid batteries are preferred, due to its safe handling capability, which is necessary to ensure proper product functionality like emergency lighting, engine starter and telecom backup power supply during the power outages. VRLA batteries are preferred for stationery applications such as monitoring which includes periodic physical inspection, measurement and recording of each cell of battery. Other benefits of VRLA batteries include maintenance free life, high charge efficiency, moderate service life, high rate-capacity, no electrolyte leakage, therefore providing a safe battery for any orientation. In addition to this, VRLA batteries are rechargeable, which is a highly desirable property among consumers in recent times.

Proper handling, ventilation, and other maintenance issues are factors expected to be a restraining factor for growth of the VRLA batteries market. Life span of the battery is another factor negatively affecting growth of the VRLA batteries market. The life span of VRLA batteries is three to five years based on the maintenance, which is very short as compare to other flooded batteries, which provides life span of 20 years.

Demand for more specific batteries that are durable, with better quality, safety, and performance is increasing. Therefore, manufactures are focusing on these parameter to meet their customer need in developed markets across the globe. For instance, East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s subsidiary Ecoult, launched Energy Storage Project of Public Service Co. of New Mexico (PNM) in Albuquerque, U.S in October 2011. This project integrated an advanced valve regulated lead acid (VRLA), which plays a key role in solar energy storage also use to provide voltage smoothing for consistent energy level and peak shifting to deliver energy when it required.

In global Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries Market the absorbent glass mat segment is expected to exhibit high growth over the forecast period. AGM offers high performance in cold temperatures along with other advantages such as water retention, vibration resistance acid encapsulation, and also charges much faster than other flooded batteries. Furthermore, AGM batteries require less maintenance.

The presence of leading automobile companies which include Toyota, The Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. has augmented the demand for lead acid batteries in North America. According to the International Trade Association, exports of automotive parts from the U.S has shown a steady growth from US$ 5 billion in 2012 to US$ 7.2 billion by 2015.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness high growth in the global valve regulatory lead acid market, due to increasing demand from automobile industry, and for application in telecommunication infrastructure, solar and IT industries. Demand for lead acid batteries is increasing from China, owing to increasing adoption in automobile, automotive, low-speed electric vehicle, and communications applications. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), in automobile industry, the domestic two wheeler sale was 16.0 million in 2016 and expected to reach 50-55 million by 2026. This is expected to aid in growth of the market in the region. Growing inclination towards pollution-free electric vehicles coupled with technological developments is expected to fuel demand for this in the near future.

Key Market Players

The global valve regulated lead acid battery market is characterized by presence of large number of players. Some of the major players operating in the valve regulated lead acid market include GS Battery (U.S.A) Inc., Exide Technologies, Panasonic Storage Battery co., Ltd., B.B Battery Co., Ltd, Shenzhen Centre Power Tech. Co., Ltd, Storage Battery System, LCC, EnerSys, Fiamm Batteries S.r.l, MCA Battery Manufacture Co., Ltd, Leoch Battery Corporation, and Daramic LLC manufacture.

Market Taxonomy

On the basis of product type, the global valve regulated lead acids is classified into:

• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM)
• Gel electrolytes (GEL)

On the basis of applications, the global valve regulated lead acids is classified into:

• Automotive
• Stationery
• Electronics
• Aerospace
• Others

Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries Market Key Developments:

Key companies are involved in activities such as mergers & acquisition and product developments to meet the competitive requirements of market.

For instance, in December 2016, GS Yuasa Corporation, one of leading players in power supply systems and batteries, entered into agreement in order to acquire lead acid battery business of Panasonic for an estimated value of US$ 250 million. This transaction will allow Panasonic’s automotive and industrial system company to focus R&D resources to lithium battery business and other next generation technologies for energy storage.

In July 2017, Tantech Holdings Ltd., a leading player in alternative energy with the use of bamboo-based charcoal products announced the acquisition of Suzhou E Motors Co., Ltd., China-based specialty electric vehicles and power batteries manufacturer. The acquisition is done with the aim of increasing sales and revenue of the company.

In June 2019, SAFT, a company of Total, has acquired 100% of the shares of Go Electrical Inc., a leading U.S.-based developer of distributed energy resiliency solutions for microgrids and industrial and commercial customers.