Key Takeaways
- Clarios has acquired Maxwell Technologies to enhance its position in short-duration energy storage.
- Maxwell’s supercapacitors offer rapid charging, longevity, and low maintenance, suited for automotive and other applications.
- The integration of Maxwell Technologies will operate as an independent business unit focused on innovation in energy storage.
Clarios Expands with Maxwell Technologies Acquisition
Clarios, a leader in low-voltage energy storage solutions, announced its acquisition of Maxwell Technologies, a producer of supercapacitor cells and modules. This move is aimed at bolstering Clarios’ footprint in the field of high-performance, short-duration energy storage. The financial details of the acquisition have not been revealed.
Maxwell Technologies specializes in supercapacitors known for rapid charging and discharging capabilities, withstanding as many as 1 million cycles and functioning in extreme temperature conditions, from minus 40 °C to 65 °C. These supercapacitors are designed to require minimal maintenance and do not necessitate additional safety mitigations, thereby addressing known issues of reliability and longevity in energy storage systems.
Previously, Maxwell Technologies was acquired by Tesla in 2019, a strategic move thought to focus on its innovative “dry electrode” technology rather than its supercapacitor development. Subsequently, in 2021, UCAP Power, a developer based in San Diego, acquired Maxwell’s Korean ultracapacitor operations and related assets.
Clarios emphasized that integrating Maxwell’s supercapacitor technology will enhance stability within their supply chain, serving both U.S. and global original equipment manufacturers, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and wider mobility sectors. This acquisition aligns with Clarios’ commitment to battery circularity and innovation in low-voltage energy storage solutions.
Beyond automotive applications, Maxwell Technologies’ supercapacitors are utilized in fields such as grid stabilization, data center power supply, military operations, industrial automation, and energy generation. Cumulatively, Maxwell has shipped over 85 million individual supercapacitor cells.
Mark Wallace, CEO of Clarios, commented, “Maxwell’s supercapacitors are designed to provide customers with high-power energy storage solutions that emphasize reliability, safety, and long life.” He emphasized that this integration not only serves automotive clients but also positions the company for growth in non-automotive sectors. Clarios plans to maintain and further develop Maxwell’s existing customer relationships across diverse industries, including data centers and military applications.
Following the acquisition, Clarios will manage Maxwell Technologies as an independent U.S.-based business unit, ensuring focus on specialized energy storage solutions while leveraging the expertise and customer relationships Maxwell has established.
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