German startup Voltfang turning used EV batteries into energy storage for solar, wind

German startup Voltfang has opened a plant to manufacture energy storage units for solar and wind from used electric vehicle batteries. The company says the facility is the largest of its kind in Europe, with annual output set to reach 250 MWh in 2026.

The plant in Aachen will produce second-life battery storage systems for commercial, industrial, and large-scale applications. Its annual output is planned to rise to 1 GWh by 2030.

The facility will assemble fridge-sized energy storage units that households and companies can use to store excess electricity generated by solar panels or wind turbines.

Voltfang’s batteries can be used by homes and businesses to store energy from solar or wind facilities

The plant employs around 100 people, and Voltfang claims it is the largest facility in Europe for repurposing lithium-ion batteries.

David Oudsandji, co-founder and managing director of Voltfang, said the company’s goal is to develop high-performance battery storage systems for German and European industry.

Voltfang hopes to turn a profit by next year, but Oudsandji noted that the supply of used EV batteries is still small, as most such vehicles are only a few years old.

The supply of used electric vehicle batteries is still limited

Another obstacle is that new batteries, mainly from China, are becoming increasingly efficient and affordable, while refurbishing old ones is a complex process.

On the other hand, it is more sustainable and helps create a circular economy and ensure energy independence, according to Oudsandji.