Clarios Launches Multibillion-Dollar Michigan Project to Power Next-Gen Vehicle Electronics

Clarios International is detailing a significant U.S. manufacturing push focused on Michigan, where a Meadowbrook facility in Holland will produce 12V/48V supercapacitor systems for upcoming vehicle architectures. The plan centers on leveraging Maxwell Technologies’ tech as part of a broader effort to bolster domestic supply chains for advanced energy storage.

• Location: Meadowbrook facility, Holland, Michigan
• Technology: 12V/48V supercapacitor systems
• Production start: 2027
• Primary applications: Steer-by-Wire, chassis stabilization, regenerative braking
• Framework: Part of a $6 billion investment program in the United States

Timeline and ramp-up
The official timetable envisions the plant entering a ramp-up phase for high-volume manufacturing next year, with full-scale production scheduled for 2027. Maxwell Technologies, a Clarios subsidiary, supplies the core technology. This initiative is embedded in a $6 billion US investment drive aimed at strengthening the resilience of domestic supply chains for advanced energy storage.

Aligning with major automakers
The Michigan modernization aligns with programs from large automakers. Industry reports indicate the Meadowbrook-built supercapacitors are principally targeted at Ford’s forthcoming F-Series trucks. Analysts expect the 2028 Ford F-Series to be the first high-volume pickup to deploy supercapacitors in conjunction with steer-by-wire systems for steering and braking. By producing locally in Michigan, Clarios gains a logistical advantage from proximity to its principal customer plants.

Technology amid market shifts
The announcement comes as many manufacturers reassess strategies around pure electric vehicle platforms. While investments in dedicated EV architectures continue to evolve, demand for robust low-voltage systems to support onboard electronics remains strong. Supercapacitors offer notable benefits relative to traditional batteries, including ultra-fast energy delivery and reliable performance across extreme temperatures. In the planned systems, these units will be integrated with conventional lead-acid or AGM batteries, creating a hybrid approach that supports both internal combustion and electrified platforms. This provides automakers with a flexible solution as they adjust propulsion concepts to market conditions.

Progress toward production
Preparations for the Michigan rollout are already underway. As Clarios integrates the supercapacitor technology into the next generation of Ford pickups from 2027, OEM validation will shape the pace of the Holland plant’s ramp-up in the coming months.

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