June 20, 2025: Global lead battery giant Clarios said on June 17 it is evaluating sites in the US for a next generation technology campus anchored by new supercapacitor system production.
The announcement marks the firm’s first step to onshore a domestic supercapacitor supply chain, following plans unveiled in March for a 10-year, $6 billion effort to expand battery manufacturing and help boost US energy and critical minerals independence.
Clarios wants to establish a plant to support manufacturing of low-voltage supercapacitor systems optimized for pairing its advanced domestically made AGM batteries.
The company said it is actively assessing site options across the states where it operates and expects to announce a location later this year.
The move aims to expand its limited manufacturing in the US in the face of Chinese dominance, the firm said.
Next generation vehicle platforms demand advanced low-voltage energy storage solutions designed to deliver high-power bursts. Low-voltage supercapacitor systems are ideal for safety critical vehicle functions such as steer-by-wire and chassis stability systems, Clarios said.
When paired with advanced domestically made Clarios AGM batteries, the combination offers enhanced safety, improved performance and reliability while supplying critical power redundancy.
Clarios also sees long-term potential for its supercapacitor solutions in artificial intelligence data centers, grid, industrial, defence applications, and other high-demand sectors.
“The innovative pairing of our supercapacitor technology and market leading AGM batteries is the ideal solution for the auto sector and beyond,” said CEO Mark Wallace.
Last year, Clarios expanded production of advanced low-antimony batteries in the US by 1.5 million units. This year, the company has already invested in upgrades to its facility in Oconee, South Carolina, to increase battery component manufacturing capacity by 30 million parts.
Starting in 2026, Clarios will produce its latest battery in Toledo, Ohio, which the group said is projected to supply 745,000 of the most advanced low-antimony starter batteries integral to the production of new American-made vehicles.
Meanwhile, the company is also investing around €200 million ($223 million) in its European plants up to 2026 to expand production capacity for AGM vehicle batteries.
