Clarios, a supplier of low-voltage energy storage solutions, announced the acquisition of Maxwell Technologies, a manufacturer of ultracapacitor cells and modules. Clarios says this acquisition will strengthen its position in high-performance, short-duration energy storage. The specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Maxwell Technologies supercapacitors are designed to provide fast charging and discharging, handle up to 1 million cycles, and operate across a temperature range of -40°C to 65°C. Clarius says these units require no maintenance or additional fire risk mitigation, addressing reliability and longevity challenges in energy storage designs.
In 2019, Tesla acquired Maxwell Technologies, which many believe has less to do with its pioneering work on supercapacitors (also known as ultracapacitors) and more to do with “dry electrode” technology – a much simpler way of making the anodes and cathodes that make up a battery cell.
In 2021, UCAP Power, a San Diego-based developer of ultracapacitor-based power solutions, acquired Maxwell Technologies’ Korean ultracapacitor business, along with other related assets, including the Maxwell brand.
Clarios notes that the integration of ultracapacitor technology supports the stability of its supply chain for both U.S. and global OEM customers, specifically in the electric vehicle and broader mobility sector. The acquisition also aligns with Clarios’ focus on battery circularity and low-voltage energy storage innovation.
In addition to applications in automotive systems, Maxwell Technologies’ supercapacitors are also used in grid stabilization and powering data centers, power generation, military, transportation and industrial automation. Maxwell has shipped more than 85 million supercapacitor cells to date, according to Clarius.
“Maxwell supercapacitors are designed to provide customers with high-power energy storage solutions that emphasize reliability, safety and long life,” said Mark Wallace, CEO of Clarios. “This integration enhances our ability to serve our automotive customers and creates a long-term opportunity to expand our presence in non-automotive sectors. Existing Maxwell customer relationships in data centers, networking, military and industrial applications will be maintained and actively developed under Clarius’ leadership.”
Clarios will operate Maxwell Technologies as an independent US-based business unit.
Source: Clarius
