Overview

• PowerCo presented the prism-shaped Einheitszelle and a new cell-to-pack battery system at IAA, with series production slated to start in Salzgitter by the end of 2025 and further plants planned in Valencia and St. Thomas.
• The cell measures 320×120×30 mm and is quoted at roughly 660 Wh/l; Volkswagen projects up to about 450 km range for compact models and sub‑25 minute charging, alongside significant cost reductions versus prior packs.
• Volkswagen says the standardized format could serve up to 80% of its EVs across brands, with chemistry flexibility spanning LFP, NMC and, later, solid‑state or sodium‑ion, to be built by PowerCo and external suppliers.
• PowerCo and QuantumScape advanced solid‑state integration with a Ducati/Audi demonstrator using QSE‑5 cells, and the partners are targeting a marketable solid‑state solution by the end of the decade.
• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an initiative for small, affordable EVs and €1.8 billion for European battery production, as industry figures press for flexibility on the 2035 combustion‑engine phaseout and VW plans to cover roughly half its cell demand in‑house, starting Salzgitter at partial capacity.