Who makes Sam’s Club Duracell car batteries?

Sam’s Club Duracell car batteries are manufactured by East Penn Manufacturing Co., a Pennsylvania-based leader in lead-acid battery production since 1946. These private-label batteries meet Duracell’s performance specifications and are sold exclusively through Sam’s Club, offering BCI group sizes (e.g., 24F, 65) with 600–800 CCA ratings. Pro Tip: Always check the stamped manufacturing date—Duracell warranties start from purchase date, not production.

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Who actually produces Duracell batteries for Sam’s Club?

East Penn Manufacturing—supplier of 40% of North America’s replacement batteries—handles full-scale production of Duracell automotive batteries. Their Deka-branded facilities in Lyon Station, PA, utilize cast-on-strap assembly lines for optimized plate-to-terminal conductivity. Pro Tip: Look for “E” or “DEKA” codes on battery casings to confirm East Penn origin.

Beyond brand partnerships, East Penn’s vertically integrated operations allow strict quality control. Their Duracell line uses advanced lead-calcium grids (2.75V/cell) with reinforced separators, achieving 98% recharge efficiency. For example, a Duracell 94R H6 battery delivers 760 CCA and 120-minute reserve capacity—matching OEM specs for Honda/Acura models. Warning: Avoid mixing terminal types; East Penn uses standard SAE posts, not European DIN.

What’s the Duracell-East Penn partnership structure?

Duracell (owned by Berkshire Hathaway) licenses its brand to East Penn under a private-label agreement, similar to Costco’s Interstate Batteries deal with Johnson Controls. East Penn handles R&D, production, and distribution, while Sam’s Club manages retail sales and warranties. Pro Tip: Cross-reference part numbers with Deka catalogs—identical batteries often cost 15% less under Deka branding.

Are Sam’s Club Duracell batteries reliable?

Yes—East Penn’s Duracell batteries pass SAE J537 vibration tests, enduring 16Hz–200Hz frequencies for 12 hours without plate damage. Real-world data shows 4–6 year lifespans in moderate climates when maintained at 12.4V+. For example, a 2019 F-150 owner reported 58 months of service despite frequent short trips. Pro Tip: Use a smart charger monthly—East Penn’s calcium grids require 14.7V absorption charging to prevent stratification.

What warranty applies to these batteries?

Sam’s Club offers a 3-year free replacement followed by a 2-year pro-rated warranty. Claims require original receipt and 50%+ health on their in-store conductance tester. For instance, a 30-month-old battery testing at 43% CCA would receive 70% credit toward a new purchase. Warning: DIY installations void warranty—Sam’s Club requires professional installation documentation.

How do they compare to Interstate or DieHard?

Duracell batteries match Interstate’s performance but trail in warranty terms—Costco’s Interstate offers 48-month free replacement. DieHard (now Advance Auto) uses Clarios manufacturing but lacks East Penn’s vertical integration. Pro Tip: For European vehicles, specify Duracell’s H8 AGM line—East Penn’s spiral-wound cells handle start-stop cycles better than flooded alternatives.

Considering cold-cranking needs? Duracell’s 800 CCA Group 65 battery outperforms Walmart’s EverStart Plus (750 CCA) in -18°C starts. But what about deep-cycle applications? While technically possible, East Penn doesn’t warranty automotive batteries used in RVs or marine contexts beyond engine starting.

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