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Battery Council International (BCI) marks 100th anniversary

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Battery Council International (BCI) marks 100th anniversary.

Battery Council International (BCI), the leading trade organization representing the global battery industry, will commemorate its 100th anniversary on March 21, 2024. BCI will mark the occasion with a year-long campaign highlighting the organization’s key members, industry achievements, and the bright future of energy storage. 

To learn more about the 100th anniversary celebration and BCI’s impact on the battery and energy storage industry, visit batterycouncil.org/about/100-year-anniversary

It all started in January 1924, when a small group of manufacturers met in Chicago to discuss the rapidly evolving energy storage landscape. The introduction of electric starters around that time had changed the nature of the budding automotive industry by creating a need for a reliable power supply in vehicles. While this sparked a growth megatrend for U.S. battery firms, it also created a complicated product mix that caused headaches for businesses, consumers, and battery manufacturers alike.

In March 1924, the National Battery Manufacturer’s Association – the group that would eventually become Battery Council International – was formed with 25 official members. The new group standardized product dimensions to support the automotive industry’s growth and developed voluntary safety standards to protect the industry’s workers, among other accomplishments.

Roger Miksad, President and Executive Director of BCI, said:

One of the original missions of Battery Council International was to bring sanity to an unorganized way of making product across the industry.  

“That mission lives on in our current work to support safe and efficient production of energy storage solutions that are essential to everyday use.”

The history of BCI has many examples of these values in action, including industry-led safety standards and a comprehensive database of product sizes that allows motorists to get the right battery for almost any vehicle – from early Model T Fords to 2024’s latest electric vehicle models. BCI manufacturers and recyclers also work collaboratively to share best practices, including a focus on sustainability that has resulted in a 99% recycling rate for lead batteries, making it the most-recycled consumer product in the U.S.

Chris Pruitt, Chairman of BCI’s Board and the CEO and President of leading battery manufacturer East Penn, said:

This industry is always one that has been ahead of the curve.

“From a regulatory perspective, we want to be known for being proactive, especially when it comes to environmental protection and health and safety. As an industry, we understand that innovation, sustainability, and fair competition are critical elements to staying relevant. While BCI has a rich history that we’re proud of, our members are very focused on the future.”

BCI will mark the occasion in person during its annual conference and trade show, the BCI 2024 Convention + Power Mart Expo on April 21-24 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. More information on that event is available at convention.batterycouncil.org.

READ the latest Batteries News shaping the battery market

Battery Council International (BCI) marks 100th anniversary. source

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