Volkswagen Unveils Solid-State Battery, Unified Cell, and Energy Storage System at IAA Mobility 2025

Volkswagen unveiled its first test vehicle with a solid-state battery, developed with QuantumScape and Ducati, at IAA Mobility 2025. The company's subsidiary PowerCo presented the Unified Cell and Cell-to-Pack technology, which will be integrated into electric city cars from 2026, offering a range of up to 450 km and charging times of less than 25 minutes. Additionally, Elli, another VW subsidiary, is building a 20 MW/40 MWh energy storage system in Salzgitter.

Volkswagen Group has made significant strides in battery technology at the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich. The company showcased several groundbreaking innovations that highlight its commitment to sustainable mobility. One of the standout announcements was the unveiling of the first test vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery, developed in collaboration with QuantumScape and Ducati. This technology promises to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry with longer ranges and faster charging times.

Solid-State Battery Innovation

The test vehicle, based on Ducati’s all-electric V21L, is the first to feature QuantumScape's solid-state battery technology. This technology uses a lithium metal anode and ceramic separator, offering substantial improvements in energy density, charging speed, safety, and lifespan compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The collaboration between Volkswagen, QuantumScape, and Ducati marks a significant milestone in the transition from laboratory research to real-world application.

Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member Technology at Volkswagen, emphasized the potential of solid-state batteries to become a game changer in e-mobility. He noted that the technology is "solid state-ready" and can be rapidly integrated into the Group's vehicles once it is ready for mass production. This development is part of Volkswagen's broader strategy to establish a pioneering position in battery technology.

Unified Cell and Cell-to-Pack Technology

Another key announcement was the introduction of PowerCo’s Unified Cell, which will be used in the Electric Urban Car Family of Volkswagen, ŠKODA, and CUPRA. This new battery cell, with an energy density of around 660 Wh/l, is a significant advancement in the volume segment. The Cell-to-Pack technology, which synchronizes the battery system and prismatic Unified Cell, enables a range of up to 450 kilometers and charging times of less than 25 minutes.

Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo, highlighted the technological leap forward made by the Unified Cell. He noted that it is on par with established competitors and is part of Volkswagen's goal to establish battery technology in Europe. The Unified Cell will serve as a global technology platform, offering flexibility in cell chemistries and setting new benchmarks in range, charging speed, and efficiency in the small car segment.

Energy Storage System

Additionally, Elli, Volkswagen's charging and energy subsidiary, is building a 20 MW/40 MWh energy storage system in Salzgitter. This large-scale storage system will serve as a scalable platform for energy trading, positioning Volkswagen at the interface between the automotive industry and the energy sector. Giovanni Palazzo, CEO of Elli, emphasized the importance of such storage systems in harmonizing the fluctuating supply of wind and solar energy with demand.

Conclusion

Volkswagen's advancements in battery technology at IAA Mobility 2025 demonstrate its commitment to sustainable mobility and technological innovation. The introduction of solid-state batteries, the Unified Cell, and the energy storage system in Salzgitter positions the company as a leader in the EV market. These developments are likely to attract investors and financial professionals seeking to understand the future of the automotive industry.

References

[1] Volkswagen Group. (2025). Made-in-europe Volkswagen PowerCo and Elli launch pioneering battery and energy technologies. Retrieved from https://www.volkswagen-group.com/en/press-releases/made-in-europe-volkswagen-powerco-and-elli-launch-pioneering-battery-and-energy-technologies-19801

[2] Marketscreener. (2025). QuantumScape Corporation and PowerCo SE debut solid-state batteries in Ducati motorcycle at IAA Mobility. Retrieved from https://www.marketscreener.com/news/quantumscape-corporation-and-powerco-se-debut-solid-state-batteries-in-ducati-motorcycle-at-iaa-mobi-ce7d59dedc8ef323