Clarios
Clarios is the world's largest manufacturer of advanced low-voltage batteries, producing 150+ million AGM, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and supercapacitor units annually for automotive OEMs, aftermarket distributors, and commercial fleets across 100+ countries under brands including VARTA, OPTIMA, Heliar, LTH, Delkor, and MAC.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersMilwaukee, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Clarios does
Clarios is the world's largest manufacturer of advanced low-voltage batteries, producing more than 150 million units annually and powering approximately one in three vehicles globally. Founded in 2019 when Brookfield Business Partners acquired Johnson Controls' Power Solutions business, the company operates 50+ facilities across more than 100 countries and employs 18,000+ people. Clarios pursues a chemistry-agnostic portfolio strategy spanning AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery), lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and supercapacitor technologies, anchored by proprietary intellectual property including PowerFrame Grid Technology, OPTIMA's SPIRALCELL design, and HYPERCORE LITHIUM.
The company operates three primary revenue streams: hardware sales of batteries to automotive OEMs and aftermarket channels under six regional brands (VARTA, OPTIMA, Heliar, LTH, Delkor, MAC), subscription-based Connected Services (Battery Manager Pro, IdleLess, Trailer Battery Manager) targeting commercial trucking fleets, and battery recycling and material recovery operations that process 200,000 batteries daily with up to 99% material recovery. Distribution combines direct OEM supply relationships (Ford, Daimler Trucks North America, Rivian) with aftermarket distribution through branded retail partners and direct fleet sales channels. Recent strategic moves include the acquisitions of Maxwell Technologies (supercapacitors), Ecobat's European recycling operations, and Paragon's battery unit, alongside the $6 billion U.S. Energy Manufacturing Strategy and participation in the $12 billion Project Vault critical minerals initiative. Clarios is privately held by Brookfield Business Partners LP and is not publicly traded on its own.
Clarios firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Clarios
- Legal name
- Clarios, LLC.
- Website
- https://www.clarios.com/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Clarios is the world's largest manufacturer of advanced low-voltage batteries, producing 150+ million AGM, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and supercapacitor units annually for automotive OEMs, aftermarket distributors, and commercial fleets across 100+ countries under brands including VARTA, OPTIMA, Heliar, LTH, Delkor, and MAC.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Clarios industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Low-Voltage Automotive Batteries
- NAICS
- Battery Manufacturing (33591), Waste Collection (5621)
- SIC
- Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Battery Modules & Packs (Industrial/Commercial pack assembly) (IMAGAHAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Battery Recycling & Materials Recovery (Li-ion, LFP, Flow, Lead-Acid) (EUAMALAE), Battery Recycling, Second-Life & End-of-Life Handling Services (TLAKAMAD), Lifecycle Analytics, LCA & Circularity Consulting (Footprinting, Material Flow Analysis) (EUAFACAK)
Keywords
Where Clarios is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Milwaukee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices16 records
Markets served
Clarios business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Battery Manufacturing and Sales: Clarios generates the majority of revenue through the manufacture and sale of low-voltage automotive batteries including flooded, AGM, lithium-ion, and sodium-ion technologies to OEM manufacturers and the aftermarket
- Connected Services Subscriptions: Subscription-based battery monitoring and management services for commercial fleets including Battery Manager Pro and IdleLess solutions, offering recurring revenue through monthly or annual subscriptions
- Recycling and Material Recovery: Battery recycling operations recovering up to 99% of battery materials for reuse in new battery production, supporting circular economy and reducing raw material costs
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Clarios product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Clarios is a global manufacturer of advanced low-voltage batteries for automotive and mobility applications, producing over 150 million batteries annually across AGM, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, EFB, and supercapacitor technologies. The company supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with batteries for new vehicles, sells replacement batteries through global aftermarket brands (VARTA, OPTIMA, Heliar, LTH, Delkor, MAC), and offers subscription-based connected battery monitoring services (Battery Manager Pro, IdleLess, Trailer Battery Manager) for commercial trucking fleets. Clarios also operates the world's largest battery recycling network, recovering up to 99% of battery materials daily across 50+ facilities in 100+ countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- VARTA: Premium automotive battery brand with 130+ years of German innovation, serving Europe, China, Asia and South America.
- OPTIMA
- LTH
- Heliar
- MAC
- Delkor
Products and services
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries Advanced absorbed glass mat low-voltage batteries for OEM and aftermarket customers, supporting start-stop technology, ADAS features, and high electrical loads in modern vehicles. The Zwickau facility is the world's largest AGM manufacturing site.
- Smart AGM Connected Battery Connected AGM battery with integrated electronics providing real-time vehicle performance monitoring, continuous low-voltage power optimization, predictive maintenance, and emergency power for EVs. Designed for safety-critical operations in EVs and autonomous vehicles.
- Flooded Batteries Traditional flooded lead-acid batteries for automotive starting power across global OEM and aftermarket channels. Part of Clarios' chemistry-agnostic low-voltage battery portfolio.
- OPTIMA ORANGETOP Lithium-Ion Battery First 12V lithium-ion battery featuring HYPERCORE LITHIUM (lithium iron phosphate) technology, OPTIMA CPR automatic battery protection against parasitic drains, POWERLINK control and charging system, IP67 rating, and superior low-temperature performance. Six sizes covering approximately 95% of powersports applications for recreational, marine, and high-performance vehicles.
- Power Sodium Sodium-Ion Batteries
Quantifiable outcome
- 30-35% extension in battery life with Battery Manager Pro
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Clarios
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Clarios technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature8 records
Clarios partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, major, core and regional.
- CohesitysupportingCohesity case study featuring Clarios highlighting cyber resilience importance in manufacturing sectors vulnerable to ransomware, demonstrating rapid cyber recovery in complex environments.
- Max Kruse RacingmajorTechnical partnership supporting Max Kruse Racing at Nürburgring 24H endurance race with VARTA low-voltage batteries for three VW GTI entries and two Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II vehicles.
- Benny LeuchtersupportingRacing driver sponsored by Clarios and VARTA brand for Nürburgring 24H endurance race demonstration.
- EcobatcoreCompleted acquisition of Ecobat's battery recycling and specialty lead operations in Germany (Freiberg, Braubach) and Austria (Arnoldstein). Strengthens European industrial footprint in energy storage and recycling, completing Ecobat's exit from European lead market.
- U.S. Army (PaYS Program)supportingArmy Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program offering guaranteed job interviews to transitioning soldiers at Clarios' 17 U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities.
- BluessupportingClarios uses Blues device-to-cloud connectivity solutions to power IdleLess with Battery Manager connected battery-intelligence solution for fleet optimization and battery health monitoring.
- Ford Motor CompanycoreClarios selected Meadowbrook facility in Holland, Michigan for supercapacitor assembly supporting future Ford F-Series trucks. Also supplies AGM batteries for Ford vehicles including hAGM batteries for 2028 model year full-size SUV.
- Project Vault / U.S. GovernmentcoreClarios participated in White House launch of Project Vault, a $12 billion initiative to establish U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. Clarios receives guaranteed access to critical minerals during supply disruptions in exchange for fees and long-term commitments.
- InoBatcoreCollaboration with Slovak R&D and manufacturing company InoBat to assemble first sodium-ion test cells for automotive applications at InoBat's Slovak facility with pilot line capacity of up to 50,000 cells annually. Performance validation conducted at Clarios R&D laboratories in Hannover.
- Maxwell TechnologiescoreAcquisition of Maxwell Technologies, an ultracapacitor-based energy storage manufacturer, to be operated as an independent US-based business unit. Extends Clarios' supercapacitor capabilities for 12V and 48V automotive architectures.
- Ruan Transportation Management SystemsmajorStrategic fleet contract deploying IdleLess solution across Ruan's fleet to reduce fuel consumption, extend battery life, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Supports Ruan's sustainability and operational efficiency goals.
- Átila Abreu / Stock Car BrazilregionalHeliar brand partnership with Brazilian Stock Car racing star Átila Abreu for 2025 season across twelve rounds culminating in Super Final at Interlagos. Includes drift exhibitions in customized Nissan 370Z.
- Daimler Trucks North AmericacoreFive-year agreement to supply standard and advanced batteries to Daimler Truck's five North American OE production plants and 500+ dealer locations. Worth up to $50 million annually.
- Paragon GmbH & Co. KGaAcoreAcquisition of Paragon's battery unit including battery management systems capabilities for automotive industry, strengthening Clarios' engineering team for low-voltage architecture development.
- NXT Gen CupsupportingVARTA partnership with world's first fully electric youth touring car cup, supporting sustainable racing and nurturing next generation of drivers with electric mobility emphasis.
- RiviansupportingOPTIMA Batteries outfitted Rivian R1T and R1S with ORANGETOP HYPERCORE Lithium batteries for overland builds featuring solar-powered trailers at SEMA Show.
- Clemson University ICARsupportingJoint research projects including effects of driver behavior on battery life, accelerated battery aging model, and balancing fuel economy with battery life for 48-volt mild hybrid applications.
- F.A.T. InternationalmajorMain sponsor of F.A.T. Ice Race events in Zell am See, Austria and Big Sky, Montana. OPTIMA batteries power extreme vehicles through sub-zero temperatures and high-stress conditions.
Scale indicators17 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights9 records
Clarios competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- East Penn Manufacturing: Family-owned U.S. manufacturer of lead-acid and AGM batteries sold under the DEKA brand to automotive OEMs and the aftermarket. Closest North American peer to Clarios's core low-voltage AGM business with similar customer profile.
- EnerSys: Global industrial and motive battery maker (Odyssey, Hawker, Genesis brands) serving automotive, fleet, and industrial customers. Direct competitor in low-voltage AGM and connected battery services for commercial vehicles.
- Exide Technologies: Global lead-acid battery manufacturer serving automotive OEMs and the aftermarket across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Direct overlap with Clarios's flooded/AGM portfolio and aftermarket distribution channels.
- GS Yuasa: Japanese battery manufacturer with deep automotive OEM relationships supplying low-voltage starting batteries and lithium-ion cells. Closest Asia-based peer with similar chemistry portfolio and OEM-embedded GTM motion.
- Amara Raja Batteries: India-headquartered manufacturer of automotive (Amaron) and industrial batteries, with growing lithium-ion ambitions. Comparable as a chemistry-portfolio battery maker serving OEM and aftermarket channels in emerging and developed markets.
- Camel Group: China's largest automotive starter battery maker with global distribution of lead-acid and lithium-ion products. Comparable scale player competing with Clarios in OEM supply and aftermarket replacement batteries worldwide.
Broad incumbents
- Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL): World's largest EV battery maker, dominant in high-voltage lithium-ion cells for passenger and commercial EVs. Larger-scale incumbent whose moves into low-voltage and sodium-ion chemistries pose a strategic threat to Clarios's next-generation roadmap.
- LG Energy Solution: Major Korean EV battery supplier to global automakers, with expanding interest in low-voltage, sodium-ion, and energy storage systems. Broad incumbent with deeper R&D resources for next-gen chemistries relevant to Clarios's pivot.
- Samsung SDI: Korean battery manufacturer supplying lithium-ion cells to global OEMs and pursuing energy storage systems. Broader incumbent peer competing indirectly with Clarios as it expands from low-voltage batteries into mobility and storage solutions.
Emerging players
- Northvolt: Swedish battery maker building European gigafactories focused on sustainable lithium-ion cells for EVs and energy storage. Emerging player whose European footprint and OEM partnerships make it a longer-term competitive reference point for Clarios's European operations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat8 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Clarios social profiles
Digital presenceClarios financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Clarios leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Clarios subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Clarios funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Clarios M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Clarios
What does Clarios do?
Clarios is a global manufacturer of advanced low-voltage batteries for automotive and mobility applications, producing over 150 million batteries annually across AGM, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, EFB, and supercapacitor technologies. The company supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with batteries for new vehicles, sells replacement batteries through global aftermarket brands (VARTA, OPTIMA, Heliar, LTH, Delkor, MAC), and offers subscription-based connected battery monitoring services (Battery Manager Pro, IdleLess, Trailer Battery Manager) for commercial trucking fleets. Clarios also operates the world's largest battery recycling network, recovering up to 99% of battery materials daily across 50+ facilities in 100+ countries.
Is Clarios a public or private company?
Clarios is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Clarios founded?
Clarios was founded in 2019. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Clarios based?
Clarios is headquartered in Milwaukee, United States, in the North America region.
How does Clarios make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Battery Manufacturing and Sales are the primary driver. The others are connected Services Subscriptions and recycling and Material Recovery.
Who are Clarios's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are East Penn Manufacturing, EnerSys, Exide Technologies, GS Yuasa, Amara Raja Batteries and Camel Group. Broad incumbents are Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI. Northvolt is listed as an emerging player.
Does Clarios have an API?
No public API is recorded for Clarios.
What industry is Clarios in?
Clarios's product category is Low-Voltage Automotive Batteries. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAHAB, Battery Modules & Packs (Industrial/Commercial pack assembly), with a secondary code of EUAMALAE, Battery Recycling & Materials Recovery (Li-ion, LFP, Flow, Lead-Acid). Its NAICS code is 33591 and its SIC code is 4900.