Volkswagen Group Advances Battery Technology to Power the Future of Electric Mobility
As electrification reshapes the automotive industry, the Volkswagen Group is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of battery innovation, recognizing that battery technology is the cornerstone of successful electric vehicles (EVs). The Group has taken decisive steps to integrate battery development and production into its core operations, ensuring long-term leadership in e-mobility on a global scale.
The Vital Role of Batteries in Electric Vehicles
Batteries significantly influence key vehicle characteristics such as driving range, charging time, and overall lifespan, which in turn affect market acceptance and competitiveness. Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume underscores this by emphasizing the importance of a "unified cell format," a standardized battery cell developed internally to deliver economies of scale across cell and battery system manufacturing. This approach underpins their vision of producing affordable, safe, sustainable, and durable batteries suited for a diverse range of vehicle segments.
PowerCo: Building a European Battery Industry
The Group’s subsidiary, PowerCo SE, spearheads the battery business, consolidating battery cell development and production efforts under one roof. PowerCo is responsible for creating a new generation of batteries aimed at enhancing cost-efficiency, safety, sustainability, and performance. To support this, Volkswagen is developing a robust regional supply chain with cell manufacturing plants strategically located in Salzgitter (Germany), Valencia (Spain), and St. Thomas (Canada). These facilities form the backbone of Volkswagen’s global battery strategy and reinforce its strategic autonomy in the rapidly evolving EV market.
The Unified Cell: Standardizing Battery Technology
From 2030 onwards, more than 80% of Volkswagen Group’s battery electric vehicles will rely on PowerCo’s “Unified Cell” technology. This standardization simplifies vehicle development and production, ensuring maximum flexibility and scalability across vehicle models—from entry-level to luxury offerings. The Unified Cell facilitates cost reductions that make electric mobility accessible to a broader customer base while maintaining high standards of performance and safety.
Insights Into Battery Innovation
Volkswagen offers an informative video series titled CELL MADE, where PowerCo experts provide deep dives into various facets of the Unified Cell’s design. Topics covered include energy density optimization, fast-charging capabilities, longevity, and safety features. These insights highlight the Group’s commitment to transparent innovation and continuous improvement.
The Next Frontier: Solid-State Battery Technology
Looking beyond traditional lithium-ion batteries, Volkswagen is actively collaborating with technology partner QuantumScape to pioneer solid-state battery technology—a promising advancement poised to revolutionize electric driving. Solid-state cells offer substantial improvements in energy density, charging speed, and safety. Notably, QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries have demonstrated the ability to retain 95% of their capacity even after 1,000 charge cycles, which corresponds to over 500,000 kilometers of driving without significant capacity loss.
Charging Infrastructure and Ecosystems
Recognizing that accessible and reliable charging infrastructure is crucial for widespread EV adoption, Volkswagen Group is aggressively expanding its charging networks across Europe. The company currently operates approximately 850,000 charging points, including 150,000 fast chargers, facilitating convenient access for EV drivers. Beyond infrastructure, Volkswagen is enhancing value creation through comprehensive charging ecosystems, which include home wallboxes, competitive tariffs, and innovative services. The Group is also developing bidirectional charging solutions, enabling vehicles to serve as mobile power banks and supporting advanced battery network management.
Expanding into Energy Storage Solutions
Volkswagen’s commitment to electrification extends into sustainable energy management through its subsidiary Elli. Elli designs, builds, and operates large-scale stationary energy storage systems, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and enhancing grid stability. This expansion from automotive manufacturing to energy solutions reflects Volkswagen’s holistic approach to empowering an electric lifestyle that is smart, convenient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
Recent Milestones and Press Releases
The Volkswagen Group continues to actively communicate milestones related to battery technology and e-mobility infrastructure. Highlights include:
- Expansion to 900,000 charge points Europe-wide (as of January 2025)
- Introduction of smart, regulation-compliant wallboxes for the German market
- Launch of integrated charging and fueling services under a new company entity
- Green energy initiatives to power battery gigafactories
- Cross-brand e-mobility initiatives aimed at accelerating electric vehicle adoption
- Announcements of landmark partnerships for industrializing solid-state batteries
- New product releases focusing on cost-effective and user-friendly home charging solutions
Conclusion
With an in-house battery development strategy driven by PowerCo, pioneering solid-state technology partnerships, extensive expansion of charging infrastructure, and a growing presence in energy storage solutions, the Volkswagen Group is making decisive strides towards sustainable e-mobility. By controlling core battery technologies and creating an integrated charging ecosystem, Volkswagen is not only delivering competitive electric vehicles but also shaping the broader energy landscape of the future.
For more information on Volkswagen Group’s battery technology and related sustainability efforts, visit their official innovation and e-mobility information platforms.
This article reflects the latest insights and strategy details released by Volkswagen Group regarding their advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, demonstrating their commitment to leading in the electric mobility revolution.
