What is our battery of choice these days?

[Elky64]

As I said above, What you need is a group 66 batery. Can be any brand, and should be at least original spec as to amp hrs etc. Motorcraft from ford, deka ,Diehard, Interstate, etc,etc.
What some one did is put in a group 65, which is the same spec less the vent tube, probably for any number of reasons. the main one being not having a 66 available. Group 65 batteries are much more popular, in the sense that they are specified on many more car models than the 66. and the vent tube detail is not prominently called out.
Most of us know or learn, that Batteries can be like Oil, a never ending discussion.......
Anyway, good luck

[ambitio]

Thank you Al
Once I get her moving, we will go hunting for a group-66. They seem somewhat challenging to find (less popular as you pointed out). I must admit, if the factory sealed ones live to expectations, I can happily forgo the venting and maintaining :-)

P.S.: 40 hours in, still charging !

[007Cruiser]

I’ve heard that only two companies actually manufacture batteries. Is this true and if true, who actually makes the Motorcraft batteries? I’ve always used the Motorcraft with good results.

[Elky64]

I've heard something like that also. But I've been retired more than 10 years so I don't know the latest scoop when I was working there was a big battery plant near Buffalo New York that was owned by Exide. They private labeled a lot of other batteries for a lot of other companies. Interstate, Deka, Die hard, NAPA,Motorcraft, and many more.
Here is what an AI had to say on the subject:

MY QUESTION:
the rumor is that there are only 2 battery companies making lead acid type batteries in the US. Even though there may be 12 or more retail brands. the Exide co had a big plant in NY some years ago where they made not only their own but many private labes. Can you tell me the state of battery production in the US, of these traditional batteries for cars, trucks, M/C and marine use.

Chat GPT:
As of my last update in January 2022, the lead-acid battery market in the US was indeed dominated by a few major manufacturers. Exide Technologies and East Penn Manufacturing were among the largest producers. However, there were other smaller players in the market as well.

Exide Technologies, headquartered in Milton, Georgia, was a major player in the lead-acid battery industry. They had several manufacturing facilities across the United States, including the one you mentioned in New York. However, it's worth noting that Exide Technologies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020, and as a result, its operations and manufacturing facilities may have been affected.

East Penn Manufacturing, headquartered in Lyon Station, Pennsylvania, is another significant manufacturer of lead-acid batteries in the US. They have a wide range of products for automotive, commercial, marine, and industrial applications.

Additionally, Johnson Controls, through its subsidiary Clarios, was another prominent player in the lead-acid battery market. They produce batteries under various brand names, including Optima and Interstate Batteries.

While these were some of the major players, there may have been other smaller manufacturers producing lead-acid batteries for specific niche markets or regional distribution. The landscape of the battery industry, including lead-acid batteries, can be subject to changes due to factors such as mergers, acquisitions, and market dynamics, so it's essential to check for the most current information.

Chat AI produced this answer in about 3 seconds. Amazing times we live in.

[Gobird]

Motorcraft.

[007Cruiser]

Thank you Al. Yes, we do live in a different world now and it’s not always for the better.

[Quickdraw]

Generative AI is experimental. Johnson Controls makes Motorcraft batteries. Johnson Controls is one of the four biggest domestic battery manufacturers. They also supply more than half of the US aftermarket car battery market. Johnson Controls also makes lead-acid batteries for other automakers and retailers, including Wal-Mart, Sears, Toyota, and BMW.