Porsche strengthens battery expertise Takeover of Varta's high-performance division

Related Vendor

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Electromobility is at a turning point - and Porsche is sending out a clear signal. With the acquisition of Varta's ultra-high-performance lithium-ion round cell business, the sports car manufacturer is taking a significant step towards independent battery technology.

Porsche has taken over the subsidiary V4Drive from Varta. This will now be integrated into the company's own corporate structure under the new name V4Smart. The sports car manufacturer is thus pursuing the goal of expanding its capabilities in the field of high-performance batteries. The ultra-high-performance lithium-ion round cells, previously mainly used as boosters in the 911 GTS models, will also be available for other applications in future. These cells have a high power density and fast-charging capability.

"With the booster cells, we are transferring motorsport technology to our production vehicles. As a component of the T-Hybrid drive, the cells ensure exceptional driving dynamics in our iconic 911 sports car. We are taking this speed with us into the V4Smart," says Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG.

Expansion of production and new jobs

The cells are already being produced in Ellwangen. There are now plans to expand production to Nördlingen in the near future. It is expected that the round cells will also be produced on a new line at the Nördlingen site from April. In the course of this expansion, Porsche plans to create around 375 new jobs by the end of 2025.

Porsche is pursuing a long-term strategy with the takeover of this business area. The aim is to become less dependent on external battery manufacturers. By integrating V4Smart into its own structure, Porsche is not only securing technological expertise, but also valuable production capacities. In addition, the control of cell production allows improved adaptation to the specific needs of the company's own vehicle fleet.

Technological advantages of V4Smart round cells

The ultra-high-performance lithium-ion round cells from V4Smart are characterized by particularly short charging times and high power outputs, making them ideal for sports cars and performance-oriented applications. Thanks to their special design, heat generation is minimized and efficiency is increased. Their compact shape also allows the round cells to be used flexibly. These advantages illustrate Porsche's efforts not only to take a leading role in the premium e-mobility sector, but also to establish new standards in battery technology.

Cooperation with Varta

Porsche intends to continue to support Varta after the takeover. In this way, the restructuring can be driven forward. This cooperation illustrates the importance of batteries for Porsche's strategy. The cooperation makes it possible to utilize synergy effects and combine the know-how of both companies. The aim is to make battery technology more efficient and cost-effective. This should make electromobility more attractive.

Future outlook

With the takeover of the ultra-high-performance lithium-ion round cell business, Porsche has set an example and taken a strategic step towards its e-mobility strategy. This should make Porsche less dependent on suppliers in the future. (mr)