Battery Council International Celebrates a Century of Industry Leadership

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.

Leading the Charge in Energy Storage

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.

Thumbnail image of the BCI 100-Year infographic.

100 Years of Powering Progress

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.

View or Download the 100-Year Infographic

Timeline – 100 Years of Battery Council International

January 25

Reagan directs NASA to build the ISS

1924

On January 29, a small group of battery manufacturers gathers in Chicago to discuss forming a trade association. In March, the group becomes the National Battery Manufacturers Association (NBMA—now BCI) and officially launched with 25 members.

The first BCI convention is held on September 19 and 20 at the Hotel Clifton in Niagara Falls, New York.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1940s

NBMA changes its name to the Association of American Battery Manufacturers (AABM) to account for members from Canada, Mexico, and South America.

In 1946, the AABM creates a group-numbering system for lead batteries.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1950s

The group-numbering system is updated as the auto industry shifts to the use of 12-volt batteries.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1960s

The first Method for Assignment of Battery Group and Assembly Numbers is published (the foundation for today’s Technical Manual BCIS-01).

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1970

On January 20, the AABM changes its name to Battery Council International, recognizing its worldwide members’ focus on manufacturing issues and their global impact.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1980s

BCI manufacturers and recyclers expand the sharing of best practices with competitors to tackle environmental and safety issues collaboratively.

Late 1980s—East Penn Manufacturing founder Delight Breidegam and his son, Dan, lead industry efforts to lobby in Washington on behalf of the industry to avoid a potential tax increase on lead.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1988

BCI data shows that recycling of end-of-life lead batteries in the United States exceeds 90 percent for the first time.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1989

BCI publishes the BCI Model Battery Recycling Legislation, the first model legislation to protect the environment and to encourage recycling of batteries by promoting the industry-managed reverse-logistics system for the collection and recycling of batteries.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1990s

BCI begins hosting the national biannual Environmental Health & Safety Conference. BCI promotes the adoption of the BCI Model Battery Recycling Legislation nationwide, with many states adopting the model within the first few years.

November 20

First ISS Segment Launches

1996

With BCI’s support, Congress passes the U.S. Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act, establishing the three chasing arrows as a universal label symbol for recyclable batteries.

2013

SourceBCI.com launches to provide web-based access to BCI’s battery replacement data.

2016

The Lead-Acid Battery Recycling and Cleanup Fund is instituted after BCI’s collaboration with California legislators.

2018

The first women’s networking reception is held at the BCI annual convention in Tucson, Arizona.

2021

BCI and the Department of Energy (DOE) create national lab partnerships and research collaborations as part of the DOE’s Energy Storage Grand Challenge.

Experience BCI’s History in the Walk of Memories

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.

Daramic battery manuracturing employee testing batteries

Making the Connection

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.

+206 GWh – Annual North American lead battery manufacturing capacity within a robust, ready-to-scale infrastructure.

$8.1 Trillion – In related economic output.
48 Million Jobs – Related to or reliant on the U.S. battery industry.
44% – Global market for rechargeable batteries supported by lead batteries.
+66,000 MWh – Predicted lead battery global market growth 2021-2030.

BCI Through the Years: Exploring the Evolution of Our Iconic Logos

1924

In March, a group of 25 U.S. lead battery manufacturers form the National Battery Manufacturers Association – the industry’s first trade association.

1940s

NBMA changes its name to the Association of American Battery Manufacturers (AABM) to account for members from Canada, Mexico, and South America.

1970

On January 20, the AABM changes its name to Battery Council International, recognizing its worldwide members’ focus on manufacturing issues and their global impact.

Old photo showing a retailer with a sign to collect junk batteries

Instrumental In Establishing a Circular Infrastructure

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.

BCI Members and Industry Leaders Wish BCI a Happy Anniversary!

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.