Stop-start cars push lead used in their batteries into investors' focus

London

INVESTORS are starting to focus on lead due to the large amounts of the metal in batteries used in increasingly popular stop-start cars produced by carmakers aiming to comply with stringent new emissions legislation.

In stop-start cars, the engine automatically cuts off when a car comes to a stop and restarts as the foot comes off the brake, reducing idling time and noxious fumes. But multiple stops and starts mean more wear and tear, so the batteries used in these cars need to be heavier and stronger.