Exide Batteries: A Comprehensive Overview

Exide batteries are exclusive products available through a single retailer. In India, Exide Technologies holds a monopoly, while in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, Exide Industries is the sole provider of Exide batteries.

The history of the Exide brand dates back to two separate companies that eventually merged to distribute power supplies globally. The Electric Storage Battery Company, founded by W. W. Gibbs, initially manufactured batteries for the transportation industry. Since 1900, their products have carried the name Exide, derived from “excellent oxide.” The company’s focus has always been on producing lightweight car batteries for taxis, submarines, and automobiles, specializing in lead-acid batteries.

In parallel, Exide Industries was established in Kolkata, India, in 1947. Despite both companies sharing the same name, they competed for distribution rights in the Middle East, with the local Indian company emerging as the victor.

Today, both Exide Technologies in the US and Exide Industries in India manufacture and sell automotive batteries worldwide. The Exide brand is renowned for its expertise in lead battery recycling, operating numerous repurposing plants throughout its history. While Exide Industries continues its production and distribution operations, the US company now operates under Battery Systems, Inc.

Exide’s Brands and Product Range

Exide owns several subsidiary brands globally, through which it distributes a wide range of automotive products. Three notable subsidiaries are CEIL, Dynex, and SF Batteries.

CEIL: CEIL serves as Exide’s premier battery brand in Singapore. The company specializes in traction batteries, standby batteries, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS), and heavier automotive products. CEIL’s offerings are particularly suitable for areas in Singapore prone to unstable power or susceptible to natural disasters. Suppliers such as Singapore Power and China Light & Power rely on CEIL’s products for renewable energy, even during uncertain times.

Dynex: Dynex is Exide’s prominent brand in India, manufacturing batteries for everyday automobiles as well as specialized motorsport vehicles like three-wheelers. Dynex is committed to supporting India’s transportation and agricultural networks and produces power supplies for tractors and e-rickshaws. Their tubular inverter batteries, similar to CEIL’s designs, are designed to withstand inconsistent voltage and extended power outages, making them ideal for home UPS devices.

SF Batteries: SF Batteries is another brand under Exide, catering to the Indian market. The company focuses on automotive and inverter batteries for various transportation mediums such as buses, trucks, and e-rickshaws. SF Batteries offers options for both diesel and petrol-powered vehicles, as well as a range of home UPS solutions. They provide generous warranties, often extending up to five years, and aim to deliver high-performance automotive batteries that push the boundaries of speed and utility.

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Overall, Exide batteries and their subsidiary brands are known for their quality, reliability, and extensive product offerings, catering to diverse automotive and power supply needs.

Current Manufacturer of Exide Brand Batteries

As of now, Battery Systems is the manufacturer of Exide brand batteries in the United States. In early 2019, Battery Systems acquired Exide Technologies and became the parent company responsible for creating and distributing Exide products to suppliers across North America, Canada, and the Caribbean. Their product range includes automotive, marine, and commercial batteries. Battery Systems obtained the exclusive rights to be the sole distributor of the Exide brand.

In India, Exide Industries continues to manufacture batteries under its own brand name.

Exide Batteries Manufacturing Locations

Exide Industries, based in India, operates nine factories located in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. These facilities serve as production and distribution centers for various automotive batteries and home UPS systems. Exide Industries also manufactures submarine batteries specifically for the Indian Navy.

Exide Industries’ automotive batteries are exported from India to more than 45 countries across five continents, including Canada, Japan, Spain, and Kenya. Additionally, the brand’s industrial power supplies are shipped to over 30 countries.

In the United States, Exide Technologies previously had manufacturing sites in North America, the Pacific Rim, Australia, and Europe. However, the company has liquidated most of these facilities. The remaining sites are currently managed by Battery Systems, Inc., which acquired Exide Technologies.

Exide Batteries and Manufacturing in China and the USA

Neither Exide Industries nor Exide Technologies have battery manufacturing plants in China. However, it is possible that some of the raw materials used in the production of Exide batteries may originate from China.

Exide Technologies, although it previously had manufacturing plants in the United States, has undergone significant restructuring. Most of its manufacturing facilities have been liquidated. The remaining sites are now under the management of Battery Systems, Inc., the parent company.

Ownership of Exide Batteries and Pricing

In the United States, Exide Technologies is owned by Battery Systems, Inc., which serves as the sole distributor of Exide power supplies in America. Brad Streelman is the current owner of Battery Systems.

Exide Industries in India is a self-owned company, and its current CEO is Subir Chakraborty.

Pricing of Exide Batteries

Exide Technologies’ automotive batteries in the US market are priced between $350 and $380 each. The Marathon series generally has a higher price point compared to the Sprint selection. The pricing for Exide’s marine batteries is comparable to automotive batteries, while motorcycle power supplies cost around $320 each.

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In India, Exide Industries’ batteries are priced in Indian rupees. The typical price range for their products falls between 7,500 and 13,000 rupees, which is approximately $90 to $170 US dollars. Exide Industries’ batteries are generally more affordable compared to their US counterparts. However, they may be harder to acquire in North America.

Availability of Exide Batteries in the United States

Exide batteries are sold in the United States through various retailers. Stores like Walmart and Amazon offer Exide automotive and sports batteries. Additionally, independently owned stores such as FR Sport and L&M Fleet Supply stock Exide products. You can find them in retailers specializing in motorsports equipment, boating supplies, and golf cart parts.

The Quality of Exide Batteries

Exide batteries, both in India and the United States, have established themselves with reputable histories. In the case of the American company, concerns have been raised regarding pollution resulting from recycling efforts, which has affected the company’s image. However, Exide’s products are known to perform well.

Exide Technologies faces competition from other manufacturers offering alternative battery options. Some customers choose to replace the default Exide batteries in their motorbikes, golf carts, boats, cars, and other equipment when seeking customization. Among enthusiasts, Exide batteries are generally regarded as good but not exceptional.

In India, Exide Industries batteries have earned trust and recognition due to their affordability and long-standing presence in the market. The brand stands out among its competitors for its financial success and commitment to quality engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exide Batteries

Here are answers to some common questions regarding Exide batteries:

  1. Does Walmart sell Exide batteries? Yes, Walmart does sell batteries from Exide Technologies. You can find them both online and in-store, typically in the auto parts section. The prices are comparable to other distributors like Amazon.
  2. Does AutoZone sell Exide batteries? No, AutoZone does not sell Exide batteries. This is likely due to distribution restrictions that arose after Battery Systems acquired Exide Technologies in 2019.
  3. How long do Exide batteries last? Exide batteries typically come with warranties ranging from two to four years. On average, they last for about four years before encountering any issues. However, some Exide batteries can run flawlessly for up to six years if you’re fortunate.