Battery Technology

Lab technician in a white coat working at an automated storage and processing system with numerous sample tubes.

The battery is the heart of electromobility. Its performance determines the range, charging time, and lifetime of an electric vehicle – and thus its market success. The Volkswagen Group is one of the few automotive manufacturers taking this key technology for fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids into its own hands. In doing so, we are also securing our long-term global leadership.

Portrait of Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group — **Oliver Blume** CEO Volkswagen Group

Our Strategy – Global Cell Manufacturer with European Roots

Batteries make up a large share of a vehicle’s value. One thing is clear: Whoever masters battery technology secures competitive advantages – both technologically and economically.

With our subsidiary PowerCo, we are building a battery industry with European roots. Cell factories are currently planned in Salzgitter, Valencia, and St. Thomas, Canada. These three plants form the foundation for a robust, regionally anchored supply chain and strengthen the strategic independence of the Volkswagen Group. From a market perspective, our goal is to develop an entirely new generation of batteries – more affordable and safer, more sustainable and resilient.

Laboratory engineer with safety glasses working on a battery module testing system in a modern research lab.

Batteries. For generations to come.

More about PowerCo

PowerCo SE is responsible for the Group’s global battery activities, and ensures the supply of battery cells for the electric mobility campaign.

Unified Cell – the Standard Cell for Our Batteries

The cornerstone of our electromobile innovations is the unified cell developed by PowerCo. From 2030 onward, it is set to be used in more than 80 percent of the Group’s battery electric vehicles – from entry-level models to the luxury segment.

Advantages of the Unified Cell
• reduces complexity in development and production
• maximum flexibility and scalability
• enables affordable mobility through cost benefits – even for entry-level models

Close-up of a blue solar panel with black frames.

CELL MADE: Focus on the Unified Cell

In the video series CELL MADE, experts from PowerCo provide exclusive insights into the development of the Unified Cell (UFC). They explain the key features of the cell—from energy density and fast charging capability to service life and safety.

CELL MADE – Exploring the battery cell technologies of tomorrow

CELL MADE – PowerCo focuses on fast-charging capability

CELL MADE – The lifespan of battery cells

CELL MADE – The safety of battery cells

Close-up of several blue battery cells with marked positive and negative terminals.

Solid-State Cell – the Battery Technology of Tomorrow

Revolutionary in energydensity and power: The solid-state cell is the next generation in batterytechnology. It hasthe potential to significantlyimprovetherange, chargingspeed, and safetyofbatteries.

To bring the solid-state battery into series production soon, PowerCo is working with U.S. technology partner QuantumScape. Test results are promising: The QuantumScape solid-state battery still retains 95 percent capacity even after 1,000 charging cycles. This corresponds to a mileage of more than 500,000 kilometers – without noticeable losses in range.

Charging Infrastructure and Charging Ecosystems – Expanding Value Creation

Where are charging stations? Are they available? Can vehicles be charged quickly there? Charging infrastructure is a key factor when it comes to switching to an EV. That is why we are massively expanding charging networks and capacities. Already today, the Volkswagen Group offers 850,000 charging points across Europe, including 150,000 fast-charging points.

We also see great potential in offering complete charging ecosystems – for example with home wallboxes, attractive charging tariffs and services, as well as public fast-charging networks. In addition, we are developing solutions for

bidirectional charging options
vehicles as mobile power banks
battery network management

For the energy required, an electromobile society will need large energy storage systems in the future. Here, a market with enormous potential is emerging – and with our company Elli, we are planning, building, and operating stationary large-scale storage systems. In this way, we are sustainably expanding our value creation – from automotive manufacturing to charging infrastructure all the way into the energy market.

Electric car charging at a Volkswagen Elli charging station in front of a modern building.

Empowering electric life.

More about Elli

Elli is here to make life with electricity easier, more reliable, and totally free of hassle. Out on the road, at home, and also in generating renewable energy. Smart, convenient, reliable and eco-friendly.