Clarios, a global leader in low-voltage energy storage based in Glendale, Wisconsin, has unveiled a $6 billion strategy aimed at expanding battery manufacturing in the United States and fostering American innovation. Announced on March 3, 2025, the plan focuses on enhancing the nation’s energy and critical mineral independence by bolstering the domestic supply of batteries crucial for starting vehicles across the U.S.
The initiative involves expanding current operations, constructing new facilities, driving innovation, and creating jobs, supported by recent executive orders and federal advanced manufacturing tax credits. Clarios emphasizes the importance of low-voltage starter batteries, which are vital components in a wide range of vehicles, including cars, tractors, semi-trucks, boats, airplanes, and military vehicles. Currently, Clarios batteries and smart solutions are present in over half of the cars and trucks in the United States.
A key aspect of the strategy is increasing domestic capacity for processing and recovering essential minerals such as antimony and tin, which are critical for starter battery production. Clarios plans to enhance its closed-loop recycling network to collect and recycle both new and used batteries nationwide, ensuring the reuse of vital minerals in new battery production.
Mark Wallace, CEO of Clarios, stated, “Now more than ever, America must protect its critical minerals and invest in technology essential to energy independence. With our comprehensive strategy, Clarios is driving a major step forward for America’s economic security, national security, and personal security of the American people.”
The $6 billion plan outlines several strategic initiatives through 2035:
- Advanced Battery Production ($2.5 billion): Expansion of manufacturing for low-critical mineral battery chemistries, including advanced Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries and innovative energy storage technologies, aiming to reduce import reliance and create American jobs.
- Critical Minerals Processing and Recovery ($1.9 billion): Strengthening the circular battery economy by recovering nearly all materials from used batteries, retaining critical minerals within the U.S., and decreasing dependence on foreign supply chains.
- Next Generation Technologies ($1 billion): Developing advanced energy storage solutions for AI and data centers, supercapacitors, and AI-driven software, as well as investing in sodium-ion batteries and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance U.S. competitiveness.
- State-of-the-Art Manufacturing ($600 million): Upgrading Clarios facilities with advanced production capabilities to maintain the U.S. leadership position in starter battery manufacturing.
Currently, Clarios operates 16 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., employs over 5,500 individuals in 32 states, and serves the auto manufacturing and aftermarket sectors nationwide. In 2024, the company expanded its production of low-antimony batteries by 1.5 million units and invested in facility upgrades in Oconee, South Carolina, to boost battery component manufacturing capacity by 30 million parts. Additionally, Clarios plans to begin production of its latest battery in Toledo, Ohio, in 2026, aiming to supply 745,000 advanced low-antimony starter batteries for American-made vehicles.
Source: PR Newswire
