The energy storage landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation as Clarios, the global battery manufacturing giant, moves forward with plans to establish a dedicated technology campus for supercapacitor production in the United States. Having spent the last week connecting with industry sources and reviewing Clarios’ expansion strategy, it’s clear this development represents more than just another manufacturing facility—it signals a strategic pivot that could reshape energy storage technology’s competitive landscape.
Clarios, which spun off from Johnson Controls in 2019, has been quietly exploring potential locations for this specialized campus that will focus on the development and production of supercapacitors—devices that store and deliver energy differently than traditional batteries. Unlike the lithium-ion batteries that power our phones and electric vehicles, supercapacitors can charge and discharge rapidly, making them ideal for applications requiring quick bursts of power.
After attending last month’s Energy Storage Innovation Summit in Chicago, where Clarios executives hinted at their expansion plans, I’ve observed growing industry anticipation around this move. The company’s strategic shift toward supercapacitor technology reflects a broader trend of battery manufacturers diversifying their technology portfolios beyond traditional chemistry.
“Supercapacitors occupy a critical middle ground between conventional capacitors and batteries,” explains Dr. Eleanor Stein, energy storage analyst at MIT Technology Review. “They deliver power quickly like capacitors but store significantly more energy, approaching battery-level storage in some applications.”
According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, the global supercapacitor market is projected to reach $5.4 billion by 2028, growing at an annual rate of 12.5%. This growth is driven by increasing demands for rapid energy delivery in applications ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems that need to quickly compensate for fluctuations in supply.
The strategic value of Clarios’ move becomes evident when considering their existing footprint. With approximately 16,000 employees across 56 facilities worldwide, the company already produces about one-third of the world’s automotive batteries. This new technology campus represents not merely expansion but evolution—a calculated entry into a specialized energy storage sector with different manufacturing requirements and market dynamics than their traditional lead-acid battery business.
My recent conversations with industry suppliers suggest Clarios is examining sites across several states, with final selection likely dependent on a combination of factors including proximity to their existing technical center in Milwaukee, available workforce, infrastructure readiness, and potential government incentives for advanced manufacturing.
The supercapacitor technology campus will likely incorporate both research and development facilities alongside production capabilities. This integrated approach reflects lessons learned from Tesla’s Gigafactory model, where colocation of development and manufacturing teams has accelerated innovation cycles.
What makes this development particularly significant is the potential impact on American manufacturing competitiveness in advanced energy technologies. The U.S. has struggled to establish dominance in lithium-ion battery production against Asian manufacturers, but supercapacitors represent a newer technology space where leadership positions remain contestable.
From an environmental perspective, supercapacitors offer distinct advantages over conventional batteries. They typically use carbon-based materials rather than the rare metals required for many battery chemistries, potentially reducing supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental impacts from mining operations.
The timing of Clarios’ move aligns with broader economic shifts. The Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have allocated billions toward advanced energy manufacturing, creating financial incentives for domestic production of next-generation energy technologies.
For communities vying to host this facility, the stakes are considerable. Beyond direct employment, advanced manufacturing campuses typically create ecosystem benefits, attracting supplier networks and spurring local educational institutions to develop specialized training programs.
The competitive landscape for supercapacitor technology remains relatively open compared to the more consolidated battery industry. While companies like Maxwell Technologies (acquired by Tesla) and Skeleton Technologies have established early positions, no clear dominant player has emerged in North American manufacturing.
For Clarios, this technology campus represents both opportunity and necessity. The growing electrification of transportation threatens their traditional lead-acid battery business, creating strategic pressure to diversify into complementary energy storage technologies.
As the selection process continues for this new facility, the broader implications for American manufacturing, energy technology leadership, and local economic development hang in the balance. What’s certain is that Clarios’ move signals confidence in supercapacitor technology’s future—and a determination to secure their position in tomorrow’s energy storage landscape.
