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12V auxiliary battery in EVs
What it is
Even a battery-electric vehicle carries a small 12-volt battery to power lights, locks, infotainment, control electronics and the contactors that connect the high-voltage traction pack
It is typically lead-acid, though lithium variants are appearing, and is replaced on a cycle similar to a conventional starter battery
Impact on industries
- A genuine hedge for lead-acid makers - electrification does not eliminate the 12V battery, so a share of the replacement pool survives the transition
- Preserves the after-market relationship and distribution network, which is the incumbent's most durable asset
- Far smaller in value than a starter battery for an ICE vehicle, so it cushions rather than replaces the revenue electrification removes
- Lithium 12V units are emerging and some architectures integrate the function into the main pack, so even this niche is not permanently secure