Clarios

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.

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

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

• Automotive battery manufacturing
• Low-voltage energy storage
• AGM battery technology
• Fleet battery monitoring
• Battery recycling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices16 records

Markets served

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

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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

Core 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

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, major, core and regional.

• CohesitysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2026Cohesity case study featuring Clarios highlighting cyber resilience importance in manufacturing sectors vulnerable to ransomware, demonstrating rapid cyber recovery in complex environments.
• Max Kruse RacingmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 May 2026Technical 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 LeuchtersupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 May 2026Racing driver sponsored by Clarios and VARTA brand for Nürburgring 24H endurance race demonstration.
• EcobatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2026Completed 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)supportingOthers · 24 April 2026Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program offering guaranteed job interviews to transitioning soldiers at Clarios' 17 U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities.
• BluessupportingTechnology or Integration · 23 March 2026Clarios 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 CompanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 13 February 2026Clarios 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. GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026Clarios 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.
• InoBatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 January 2026Collaboration 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 TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 1 November 2025Acquisition 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 SystemsmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 October 2025Strategic 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 BrazilregionalGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Heliar 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 AmericacoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 October 2024Five-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. KGaAcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 August 2023Acquisition of Paragon's battery unit including battery management systems capabilities for automotive industry, strengthening Clarios' engineering team for low-voltage architecture development.
• NXT Gen CupsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023VARTA partnership with world's first fully electric youth touring car cup, supporting sustainable racing and nurturing next generation of drivers with electric mobility emphasis.
• RiviansupportingOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 November 2022OPTIMA Batteries outfitted Rivian R1T and R1S with ORANGETOP HYPERCORE Lithium batteries for overland builds featuring solar-powered trailers at SEMA Show.
• Clemson University ICARsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2019Joint 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. InternationalmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMain 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/clariosglobal
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCKzg3_tmPWhb_NBFisOnsjQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/ClariosGlobal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clarios
• Instagraminstagram.com/clariosglobal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Clarios