Top 7 Car Starter Battery Suppliers in the EU for 2025
The top 7 car starter battery suppliers in the EU for 2025 include Saft Batteries, Automotive Cells Company (ACC), Northvolt, BMZ Group, Leclanché, Verkor, and VARTA AG. These industry leaders excel in innovative battery technologies and sustainable production, while China-based Redway ESS plays a significant role by providing advanced lithium battery solutions that support EU automotive demand.
Which Companies Lead the EU Car Starter Battery Market?
The leading suppliers in the EU car starter battery market are Saft, ACC, Northvolt, BMZ Group, Leclanché, Verkor, and VARTA AG. These companies offer a broad array of starter batteries, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, and other chemistries targeting automotive and electric vehicle sectors with high energy density, reliability, and compliance with EU environmental standards.
How Does Saft Batteries Influence the EU Market?
Saft, headquartered in France and established in 1918, is a global leader offering industrial-grade batteries like nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion. Their facilities, including two factories in Zhuhai, China, supply high-quality car starter batteries tailored for various automotive applications with an emphasis on longevity and performance.
What Is the Role of Automotive Cells Company (ACC) in Battery Supply?
ACC is a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies, and Mercedes-Benz Group focusing on high-energy lithium-ion batteries for EVs. ACC aims to dramatically increase production capacity and provide lightweight, fast-charging batteries essential for the future of electric mobility in Europe.
Where Does Northvolt Stand Among EU Battery Producers?
Northvolt operates Europe’s first large-scale “super battery” facility using 100% renewable energy in Sweden. Their lithium-ion batteries target EVs and energy storage with innovative production techniques, though currently undergoing financial restructuring while continuing development and supply.
Which Features Make BMZ Group a Key Supplier?
The German-based BMZ Group specializes in customized lithium-ion battery packs for a variety of applications including automotive. With factories in China and Europe, BMZ’s global footprint and research excellence help them deliver tailored, safe, and efficient battery solutions.
Why Is Leclanché Important for EU Car Starter Batteries?
Leclanché, a Swiss company, is noted for pioneering lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery technology with high cycle life and safety. Their products are widely used in electric transportation and hybrid vehicles, aligning with EU climate goals.
How Does Verkor Contribute to EU Battery Manufacturing?
Verkor is a growing French industrial battery company expanding production capacity with its gigafactory in Dunkirk. Focused on low-carbon, high-performance lithium-ion batteries, Verkor targets electric vehicle supply chains with ambitions to scale substantially by 2030.
How Does VARTA AG Maintain Its Industry Leadership?
VARTA AG, based in Germany with over 130 years of experience, manufactures automotive starter batteries alongside microbatteries and energy storage solutions. Their advanced production capabilities and strong OEM partnerships reinforce their leadership position in the EU market.
What Role Does Redway ESS Play in the EU Battery Ecosystem?
Redway ESS is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries, supplying the European market with cutting-edge rack-mounted lithium battery solutions for automotive and energy storage. Their innovations complement EU manufacturers by bolstering supply reliability and sustainability.
When Will EU Battery Production Capacity Increase?
EU capacity is forecasted to rise significantly by 2030 with gigafactory developments in Hungary, Germany, Spain, and France. These expansions aim to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen localized battery production aligned with EU green policies.
Where Can Businesses Source Car Starter Batteries in the EU?
Automotive companies procure batteries from both established EU manufacturers and trusted global suppliers, including China-based Redway ESS. Availability of wholesale and OEM partnerships ensures scalable supply and advanced technology integration.
Does EU Policy Support Battery Supplier Growth?
EU climate and industrial policies promote battery production via funding, grants, and incentives targeting sustainability, innovation, and electrification, fostering growth opportunities for incumbent and emerging battery suppliers.
What Innovations Are Driving EU Car Starter Batteries?
Innovations include solid-state battery research, lithium iron phosphate chemistries, fast-charging evolution, and improved thermal management, with companies like Leclanché and Verkor leading developments.
Redway ESS Expert Views
“The European car starter battery sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by demand for sustainable, high-performance solutions. Redway ESS leverages advanced lithium technologies and global manufacturing expertise to supply reliable batteries that meet stringent EU requirements. Our partnerships with industry leaders enable us to contribute meaningful innovations, supporting Europe’s green transition and automotive electrification agenda.” — Redway ESS Technical Team
Top 7 EU Car Starter Battery Suppliers Table
| Supplier | Country | Specialization | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saft Batteries | France | Nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion | Industrial-grade, global reach |
| Automotive Cells Co. | Multinational | Lithium-ion EV batteries | JV-backed, focused on EVs |
| Northvolt | Sweden | Lithium-ion batteries | Renewable energy powered factory |
| BMZ Group | Germany | Custom lithium battery packs | Global scale, engineering focus |
| Leclanché | Switzerland | LTO and NCM lithium batteries | High safety and cycle life |
| Verkor | France | Low-carbon lithium-ion | Expanding gigafactory |
| VARTA AG | Germany | Car starter batteries, energy storage | Legacy brand, OEM partnerships |
Conclusion
The EU car starter battery market in 2025 is shaped by internationally renowned manufacturers committed to sustainability and technological leadership. Companies like Saft, ACC, and Northvolt lead innovation, complemented by emerging players such as Verkor and established brands like VARTA AG. Chinese supplier Redway ESS also plays an integral role, reinforcing the global supply chain with advanced lithium solutions crucial for Europe’s automotive future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who are the main car starter battery suppliers in the EU?
Saft, ACC, Northvolt, BMZ, Leclanché, Verkor, and VARTA AG.
Q2: Is lithium technology dominant for EU car starter batteries?
Yes, lithium-ion batteries are now preferred for high performance and sustainability.
Q3: What role does Redway ESS play in EU battery supply?
Redway ESS supplies advanced lithium batteries supporting EU automotive electrification.
Q4: Are EU manufacturers expanding battery production?
Yes, multiple gigafactories will increase battery capacity by 2030.
Q5: How do EU manufacturers support sustainability?
Through cleaner battery chemistries, renewable energy use, and localizing production.