Clarios is close to a decision about where to launch a critical minerals recycling facility in the US, as the firm ramps up investment in the battery manufacturing supply chain.
Indiana, South Carolina and Texas have already been named as the first of several possible contenders for the new recycling centres — and Clarios said on May 8 it expects to have invested more than half-a-billion dollars in its US plants by the end of September.
The update came just over a year after the global lead battery major unveiled a 10-year, $6 billion plan to expand battery manufacturing and help boost US energy and critical minerals independence.
These investments are increasing advanced battery production capacity to meet growing demand, improve competitiveness and make its factories better places to work for employees, Clarios said.
The firm said its increased investments have been underpinned by section 45X of the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, which incentivizes the production of eligible components in the US — especially for clean energy technologies — allowing manufacturers to claim tax credits based on their production and sales.
Clarios CEO Mark Wallace said: “These investments demonstrate our commitment to US manufacturing, our employees, and building a more secure and sustainable energy future.”
The company operates 16 manufacturing plants across the US employing more than 5,500 in 32 states and supplying auto manufacturing and the aftermarket across America.
In 2024, Clarios expanded production of advanced low-antimony batteries in the US by 1.5 million units. In 2025, the company invested in upgrades to its facility in Oconee, South Carolina, to increase battery component manufacturing capacity by 30 million parts.
Meanwhile Clarios has formally completed its acquisition of three lead battery recycling plants in Europe from Ecobat .
The lead battery major confirmed on May 4 it had completed the deal through which it will expand the European closed-loop battery supply chain and boost lead recycling capacity.
With all regulatory approvals now finalised, Clarios said it is integrating recycling operations in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, and Arnoldstein, Austria.
The deal means a substantial increase in Clarios’ ability to recover critical materials, including lead and polypropylene, and reuse them in the production of new low-voltage batteries.
Werner Benade, Clarios EMEA president, said: “This acquisition is a strategic step forward for Clarios in Europe. By expanding our recycling and material recovery capabilities, we are building a more resilient and sustainable supply chain that supports upcoming EU battery regulations and delivers real environmental benefits for customers and communities alike.”
Clarios told Batteries International last August it intended to continue operating the facilities it was taking over, which would bolster the firm’s EMEA presence with advanced recycling technologies and deep technical expertise including in lead and polypropylene processing.
Individual plant recycling capacity figures have not been disclosed, but a spokesperson said Clarios recycles around 8,000 vehicle batteries globally per hour.
In Europe, including the UK, the company collects nearly 100% of used lead acid batteries through certified take-back systems and partnerships with garages, scrapyards, and retailers.
