Leclanché

Leclanché is a Swiss lithium-ion cells and related technologies manufacturer founded in 1909. It currently employs over 350 staff and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol "LECN"). The company has its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland and production facilities in Willstätt in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Leclanché is the only listed pure play energy storage company in the world.

History

Early Years (1909–2000)

Leclanché S.A. was established in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains, in the Swiss canton of Vaud, to manufacture and commercialize battery technologies based on the Leclanché cell, a zinc-carbon battery invented by French scientist Georges Leclanché in 1866. Initially, the company focused on producing primary batteries for early electrical applications, such as telegraphy, railways, and early consumer electronics. Over the decades, Leclanché became a well-known name in the battery industry, producing Zinc–carbon battery and later Alkaline batteries for a variety of uses.

Transition to Lithium-Ion Technology (2006–2012)

A significant turning point came in 2006 when Leclanché integrated a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, a German research organization, shifting its focus from traditional battery manufacturing to the development and production of lithium-ion cells. This pivot positioned Leclanché as a pioneer in the emerging Lithium-ion battery market, particularly for large-format cells used in industrial applications. By the end of the second quarter of 2012, the company launched its first production line with an annual capacity of up to 76 MWh in Lithium titanate cells, a technology known for its safety and longevity.

Growth and Specialization (2013–2020)

Throughout the 2010s, Leclanché expanded its focus on energy storage solutions for e-mobility and stationary applications. In 2017, the company partnered with Dutch charging station operator Fastned to trial energy storage batteries at charging sites, aiming to support the growing demand for Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. This marked Leclanché’s entry into the EV charging ecosystem, aligning with global trends toward sustainable energy.

By 2020, Leclanché had shifted its production efforts toward heavy-duty industrial battery packs for rail, marine, and heavy-duty ground vehicles. The company began supplying battery systems for electrified trains, ferries, and construction vehicles, capitalizing on the global push for decarbonization in transportation. During this period, Leclanché also started developing modular energy storage systems for renewable energy integration, such as solar and wind power plants.

Recent Developments (2021–2025)

As of 2021, Leclanché was producing approximately 400,000 lithium-ion cells (pouch/flat cells) annually, according to company reports. The company continued to grow its presence in the e-mobility sector, securing contracts for projects like the electrification of ferries in Denmark and battery systems for rail applications in Europe. In 2022, Leclanché reported revenues of CHF 20 million and an operating income of CHF 85 million, reflecting steady growth despite global supply chain challenges.

In 2023, Leclanché expanded its production capacity at its Willstätt facility in Germany, aiming to meet increasing demand for energy storage in industrial and renewable energy applications. The company also strengthened its leadership, with Pierre Blanc serving as CEO and Alexander Rhea as Chairman. By 2024, Leclanché announced partnerships with renewable energy developers to deploy large-scale battery storage systems, supporting grid stability in regions transitioning to renewable energy sources. In early 2025, posts on Twitter highlighted Leclanché’s role in a pilot project for hybrid marine vessels, showcasing its advancements in sustainable maritime solutions.

Technology

Leclanché specializes in large-format Lithium-ion cells, leveraging licensed ceramic separator technology and focusing on lithium-titanate chemistry. Lithium-titanate cells are known for their safety, fast charging capabilities, and long cycle life, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. The company’s cells are used in:

* E-mobility: Battery packs for electric buses, trains, ferries, and construction vehicles.
* Stationary energy storage: Systems for renewable energy integration, grid stabilization, and microgrid applications.
* Specialty Applications: Energy solutions for defense and aerospace sectors.

Leclanché’s production facility in Willstätt has been upgraded to increase output, focusing on modular battery systems that can be scaled for various applications. The company also invests in research and development to improve energy density and reduce costs, aiming to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving battery market.

Key Projects and Partnerships

* Fastned Partnership (2017): Leclanché collaborated with Fastned to install energy storage batteries at EV charging stations in the Netherlands, supporting the expansion of EV infrastructure.
* Marine Electrification (2020–2025): The company supplied battery systems for electric ferries in Denmark and hybrid vessels in Canada, with a notable pilot project in 2025 reported on X for sustainable maritime transport.
* Rail Applications: Leclanché provides battery systems for electrified trains, including projects in Germany and Switzerland, reducing emissions in rail transport.
* Renewable energy storage: In 2024, Leclanché partnered with renewable energy developers to deploy battery storage systems for solar and wind farms, enhancing grid stability in Europe.

Challenges and Future Outlooks

Leclanché faces challenges common to the battery industry, including supply chain constraints for raw materials like lithium and cobalt, as well as competition from larger players like CATL and LG Chem. Additionally, the company’s relatively small size compared to global competitors limits its economies of scale. However, its focus on niche markets like heavy-duty e-mobility and its pure-play energy storage positioning give it a unique edge.

Looking ahead, Leclanché aims to expand its production capacity to 1 million cells annually by 2027, according to company statements in 2024. The company also plans to invest in next-generation battery technologies, such as solid-state batteries, to improve performance and safety. With the global energy storage market projected to grow significantly due to the rise in renewable energy and electrification, Leclanché is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, particularly in Europe.

See also

* Georges Leclanché
* Zinc–carbon battery
* Energy storage
* Electric vehicle battery

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Leclanche
Manufacturing companies established in 1909
Manufacturing companies of Switzerland
Swiss companies established in 1909
Battery manufacturers