Clarios to Build Supercapacitor Plant in U.S.

Company sees rapid charge/discharge and high capacity as being the key to new features.

A company graphic on the uses of supercapacitors. (Clarios)

Clarios, the global leader in low-voltage vehicle batteries, said it is evaluating sites for a new factory to make supercapacitor systems that will pair with the company’s AGM batteries.

Supercapacitors store energy at a density much higher than standard capacitors, and they aren’t penalized for undergoing many charge cycles. Among other things, their use in vehicles could help supply bursts of power when advantageous.

In a news release, Clarios said supercapacitors are a key to the adoption of next-gen features such as AI and military tech. They can also serve as critical backup power for steer-by-wire and vehicle stability systems. According to Precedence Research, China dominates the supercapacitor space with 42% of the market.

“The innovative pairing of our supercapacitor technology and market-leading AGM batteries is the ideal solution for the auto sector and beyond,” said Clarios CEO Mark Wallace.

Clarios envisions its supercapacitors being used in data centers, the electrical grid and industrial applications. The company plans to make supercapacitors (also called ultracapacitors) in a range from 12V to 48V. A good side effect of producing energy bursts when needed: Stress on the main battery is reduced, lengthening its life.

The company has a plan to invest $6 billion in the United States on manufacturing ability and capacity. That includes $1 billion for next-gen technologies.