Join the battery industry’s leading trade organization as we reflect on the achievements of our first 100 years and get charged up for the future.
On March 21, 2024, Battery Council International (BCI) marked 100 years of collaboration and innovation in energy storage. It all started in 1924, when a small group of U.S. battery manufacturers met to discuss the possibility of forming a trade association. It wasn’t long before the National Battery Manufacturers Association (NBMA) was formed with 25 official members.
A century later, BCI represents the interests of companies involved in every aspect of the battery industry. Our membership includes lead battery manufacturers and recyclers, marketers and retailers, suppliers of raw materials and equipment and expert consultants from around the world.
For more than a century, BCI has played a pivotal role in shaping the battery industry through advocacy, education and research. From establishing industry standards and resources still in use today to shaping policies and regulations for the battery industry worldwide, we led the way to create a model circular economy.
Today, by embracing collaboration over competition in our efforts to drive innovation, BCI and its members are leading the charge to provide tomorrow’s energy storage solutions today.
At the 2024 Convention + Power Mart Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attendees had the opportunity to look back on the rich history of the battery industry and the 100 years of Battery Council International’s growth, leadership, and accomplishments.
From crank cars to the next generation of batteries, watch this video as Donna Snyder, Joel Brady, and Dan Breidegam take us on a virtual stroll through the special Walk of Memories installation featured at the 2024 BCI convention.
Over the past 100 years, batteries have exponentially broadened their applications beyond transportation. Today, BCI members create batteries that are essential to modern society and contribute to an enormous $8.1 trillion battery fueled economy.
In March, a group of 25 U.S. lead battery manufacturers form the National Battery Manufacturers Association – the industry’s first trade association.
NBMA changes its name to the Association of American Battery Manufacturers (AABM) to account for members from Canada, Mexico, and South America.
On January 20, the AABM changes its name to Battery Council International, recognizing its worldwide members’ focus on manufacturing issues and their global impact.
BCI member companies have created a circular economy model of sustainability that is unrivaled by any other battery chemistry, and a model for emerging battery technologies.
Since the 1980s, BCI manufacturers and recyclers have worked collaboratively with competitors to share best practices and advance innovations to tackle environmental and safety issues within the industry.
In 1989, BCI published the BCI Model Battery Recycling Legislation which has enabled the industry to achieve a 99% recycling rate and firmly establish lead batteries as the most recycled consumer product in the U.S.
Each year, more than 160 million lead batteries are kept from landfills in the U.S. and instead make their way to a nationwide network of advanced recycling facilities. Here, the top three main components are recycled infinitely — creating a closed-loop, domestic circular supply chain.
Join us in commemorating a century of innovation, collaboration and excellence as BCI marks its 100th anniversary milestone.
Experience the heartfelt tribute from esteemed industry members worldwide, extending warm wishes and gratitude to BCI for its remarkable contributions to the battery industry.
Registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2024 BCI Convention + Power Mart, celebrating 100 Years of Industry Leadership.
Press Release
October 26, 2023
Lead batteries are an established, economical technology that is essential to meeting our growing battery energy storage needs.
As we celebrate 100 years as a trade association, BCI and its members are more relevant than ever before and the best days of this industry...
Article
March 14, 2024
Battery Council International (BCI) is the leading trade association representing the North American battery industry, an industry...
Lead battery technology has advanced significantly over the past 20 years, and innovative applications ensure they will continue to meet...
The lead acid battery ... is legendary. We can recycle 95+ percent of [these] batteries all across the world. It's a very safe chemistry, ... [and] we understand how to use it very, very well.
