Volkswagen Group and its subsidiaries PowerCo and Elli are introducing new battery and energy technologies at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. The company is presenting several advancements aimed at supporting sustainable mobility within Europe.
One of the highlights is the unveiling of the world’s first group test vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery. This project involves collaboration between PowerCo, Ducati, and Audi, using QuantumScape's solid-state battery technology. The demonstration bike is based on Ducati’s all-electric V21L model but has been modified to accommodate up to 980 QSE-5 cells from QuantumScape. According to Volkswagen, this new cell technology differs fundamentally from conventional lithium-ion batteries by offering improved energy density, faster charging capability, enhanced safety, and longer lifecycle.
Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member Technology at Volkswagen, stated: "The solid-state battery has the potential to become a game changer in e-mobility. Together with our partner QuantumScape, we aim to industrialize the technology and to take the next step towards series production. With PowerCo’s Unified Cell, we have created the perfect match: it is 'solid state-ready' and enables rapid technology transfer to the Group's vehicles as soon as the solid-state battery is ready. The Group's battery strategy is pioneering and at the same time offers unprecedented economies of scale."
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, added: “At Ducati, we have a long history of pushing the boundaries of technology to improve the riding experience both on the road and on the racetrack. Our pursuit of innovation has allowed us to achieve incredible results, including the record of six consecutive MotoGP Constructors’ titles. The high energy density achieved with solid state technology is a perfect fit for a high-performance vehicle like a sport motorcycle.”
Siva Sivaram, CEO of QuantumScape said: “Today, QuantumScape solid-state batteries moved closer to commercial reality. For more than a decade, we've worked closely with the Volkswagen Group to advance our breakthrough technology that delivers the range, fast charging, and safety that EV drivers want. Our focus now is on bringing this technology to market and redefining what high-performance electric mobility can be.”
Development work will continue over coming months with plans for further testing including development of a race bike for track use. In parallel efforts are underway by PowerCo and QuantumScape toward integrating solid-state technology into PowerCo’s Unified Cell platform for future car applications.
Volkswagen also introduced PowerCo’s Unified Cell for series production which will debut in its Electric Urban Car Family models across brands such as Volkswagen itself as well as ŠKODA and CUPRA. Initial manufacturing will begin at Salzgitter Gigafactory before expanding operations in Valencia (Spain) and St. Thomas (Canada). Key materials like cathodes will also be sourced from European suppliers.
PowerCo claims an energy density around 660 Wh/l for its Unified Cell—approximately 10 percent higher than previous cells—and says this advancement allows small electric cars ranges up to 450 kilometers with projected charging times under 25 minutes per charge cycle. These improvements are enabled by cell-to-pack design innovations along with lighter gigacasting components.
Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo commented: "The battery cell is a key technology of the 21st century and plays a crucial role for the future of the European automotive industry. Today, we are taking a big step towards our goal of establishing battery technology in Europe. Technologically, our first series battery cell is absolutely on par with the established competitors. And we are already working on new customer products with LFP or Sodium-Ion chemistry. PowerCo is rapidly developing into a global cell manufacturer and the European Battery Tech Driver."
Additionally Elli—the charging subsidiary—will connect its first stationary large-scale storage system known as PowerCenter at Salzgitter by December 2025 using packs supplied by PowerCo; this installation aims to support grid stability amid fluctuating renewable power supplies.
Giovanni Palazzo CEO Elli stated: "With the construction and operation of large-scale storage systems, we are making a decisive contribution to the energy transition and security of supply in Europe. The opening of our first PowerCenter in Salzgitter marks the starting point of long-term planning for further storage projects."
These developments reflect Volkswagen Group’s broader strategy toward expanding its expertise across combustion engines through plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), fully electric vehicles (EVs), advanced batteries as well as energy infrastructure solutions throughout Europe.