Unforgotten Brands: Exide

Exide’s global story began in 1888, when W.W. Gibbs, a forward-thinking entrepreneur in the energy space, founded the Electric Storage Battery Company (ESBC) in the United States. Recognising the transformative potential of electricity, Gibbs acquired patents from French inventor Clement Payen and began converting those ideas into practical, commercial battery solutions.

Over the decades, Exide played a vital role in powering innovation and history:

• In 1898, Exide batteries powered the USS Holland, the U.S. Navy’s first modern submarine.
• In 1912, Cadillac used Exide batteries to introduce the first electric start in internal combustion engines.
• During World War II, Exide supplied batteries for submarines, torpedoes, and various military vehicles.
• In 1969, Exide battery technology was utilised in NASA’s Apollo lunar missions, enabling the power required for the moon landings.

Exide’s product innovations continued into the modern era, from early electric vehicles in the 1970s to advanced marine batteries in the 1990s.

Exide in India: From Importer to Industry Pioneer

India’s association with Exide began under colonial rule, when the country imported batteries from abroad. This changed in 1920 with the formation of the Chloride Electrical Storage Company (CESCO), which set up local operations.

A significant turning point came in 1947 when Associated Battery Makers Eastern Limited (ABMEL) established its first manufacturing facility in Shyamnagar, West Bengal. This marked the beginning of Exide’s manufacturing legacy in India, coinciding with the nation’s industrial growth.

Initially focused on automotive applications, Exide and its sister brand, Dagenite (famously used in Rolls-Royce vehicles), quickly gained a reputation for reliability. Over time, the company expanded its portfolio to include railway batteries and specialised defence applications, especially during the 1963 military buildup.

Manufacturing Growth and Industrial Integration

To serve the growing needs of India’s auto industry, Exide launched a second manufacturing unit in 1969 at Chinchwad, Maharashtra. Positioned close to automobile OEMs, the facility enabled faster delivery, better coordination, and higher output.

With ongoing innovation and modernisation, Exide India has built one of the most comprehensive industrial battery portfolios in the world, covering capacities ranging from 2.5 Ah to over 20,000 Ah across various battery chemistries.

Trademark Disputes and Resolution

Although both Exide Industries in India and Exide Technologies in the U.S. shared a historical link, they became embroiled in a trademark dispute in 1997 when the American company attempted to re-enter the Indian market.

After years of litigation, the Delhi High Court ruled in 2012 that Exide Industries held exclusive rights to the trademark in India. A later decision in 2017 acknowledged that both companies had a legitimate claim — one to trademark ownership, the other to legacy and goodwill.

Eventually, an out-of-court settlement was reached, in which Exide Industries compensated Exide Technologies, which agreed to relinquish all permanent rights to the “Exide” brand in India.

Building the Future

Today, Exide Industries stands as a market leader in India, producing batteries and energy storage solutions across various segments, including automotive, industrial, defence, telecom, and renewable energies.

Its journey — from powering submarines and spacecraft to becoming a symbol of trust for millions of vehicle owners — is a testament to its commitment to reliability, resilience, and innovation.

Reference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exide_Industries

https://www.exide75years.com/legacy/the-journey.html