Volkswagen presents revolutionary electric vehicle with solid-state battery!

Volkswagen presents revolutionary electric vehicle with solid-state battery!

In Munich, Volkswagen, together with its subsidiaries PowerCo and Elli, has opened a new chapter in e-mobility. On September 9, 2025, they introduced their first vehicle with a state-of-the-art solid-state battery. The so-called “standard cell” from PowerCo will be used in small electric cars from VW, Skoda and Cupra from 2026. On the occasion of this revelation, CEO Oliver Blume explained the progress as significant for e-mobility and as a strengthening of Europe as an automotive location. These technologies are designed to increase both performance and cost efficiency while providing flexible solutions. Ecomento reports that the first test vehicle was developed in collaboration with Ducati and Audi and is based on the fully electric Ducati V21L.

Another key point is the integration of solid-state battery technology developed by QuantumScape. This technology brings numerous benefits, including higher energy density, fast charging capability, improved safety and longer lifespan. Thomas Schmall, Chief Technology Officer, sees this as a potential turning point for the entire industry. To support this, plans are already being made for a race-ready motorcycle to be tested on racetracks.

Sustainability and future prospects

Europe's climate future depends heavily on reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector. The Federal Climate Protection Act calls for a reduction in emissions by at least 65% by 2030 and by 88% by 2040 compared to 1990. Electromobility plays a crucial role here, because electric vehicles (e-cars) must achieve a higher market share in order to meet the ambitious goals. According to one forecast, the share of electric cars could rise to 40% by 2030 and even to over 50% by 2035. The development of innovative battery technologies is essential for this change. Fraunhofer ISI emphasizes that low-emission and zero-emission vehicles are essential to achieve climate-neutral mobility.

PowerCo's unit cell could prove to be a key technology here. With an impressive energy density of around 660 Wh/l, it offers around 10% higher capacity compared to previous cells. It also enables a range of up to 450 km and charging times of less than 25 minutes, which should further increase the incentive to use electric vehicles.

Partnerships and investments

A key point in this development is the partnership between PowerCo and QuantumScape, which plans to invest a total of $131 million in the research and development of anode-free solid-state batteries over the next two years. QS President Dr. Siva Sivaram reiterated that this period marks the transition from theory to practice, while PowerCo CEO Frank Blome highlighted the impact of this technology on premium vehicles. Notebookcheck highlights that solid-state batteries play a key role in the further development of electromobility as they address significant obstacles such as range and charging speed.

The first production facilities for the PowerCo cells in Salzgitter are expected to open at the end of 2023, followed by further locations in Valencia and St. Thomas. These capacities are necessary to meet upcoming demand and advance the introduction of new technologies.

Overall, it shows that both Volkswagen and the entire industry are working hard on the transformation of mobility. The challenge is great, but with innovative approaches, strong partnerships and a clear vision for the future, a decisive step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future could be achieved.