Clarios eyes South Carolina for supercapacitor tech campus

South Carolina is in the running for a next-generation manufacturing technology campus.

Wisconsin-based Clarios, a global advanced energy storage solutions company, has revealed it is evaluating U.S. locations for an advanced technology campus anchored by new supercapacitor system production, according to a news release.

The company is seeking U.S. sites where it already has operations. Clarios owns and operates an advanced battery production facility in Oconee County in the Upstate and another facility in Florence.

Supercapacitors are an advanced energy storage technology used in cutting edge applications including next generation American made vehicle platforms, artificial-intelligence data centers and advanced military technology, the release stated. Today, production of supercapacitors is predominantly in China with very limited manufacturing in the U.S.

Next generation vehicle platforms demand advanced low-voltage energy storage solutions designed to deliver high-power bursts, the release stated. Low-voltage supercapacitor systems are ideal for safety-critical vehicle functions such as steer-by-wire and chassis stability systems. When paired with advanced domestically made Clarios AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries, the combination offers enhanced safety, improved performance and reliability while supplying critical power redundancy.

“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 in the release. “This announcement expands our American manufacturing capabilities to serve our customers with cutting edge technology and help secure supply chains in the U.S.”

In June 2024, Clarios broke ground on a $16 million expansion project that will enable the West Union plant to make even more products — another 30 million parts for the automotive battery industry. Those parts are shipped from South Carolina to other U.S. plants and well as factories in Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia where the complete batteries are assembled.

Beyond mobility, Clarios sees long-term potential for its supercapacitor solutions in artificial intelligence data centers, grid, industrial, defense applications and other high-demand sectors, the release stated.

This announcement marks the first step to onshore a domestic supercapacitor supply chain outlined in the Clarios $6 billion U.S. energy manufacturing investment plan, including $1 billion earmarked for next generation technologies, the release stated. Clarios is proud to unlock innovation and create American jobs enabled by the administration’s executive orders and using federal advanced manufacturing tax credits.

Clarios is actively assessing site options across the states where it operates and expects to announce a location later this calendar year.

Clarios batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today, the release stated. The company has 18,000 employees in over 100 countries.