Porsche AG completed the acquisition of V4Drive GmbH from the VARTA AG-Group on March 4, 2025. Following the acquisition, Porsche has become the majority shareholder of V4Drive, while VARTA AG retains a minority stake without any operational control.
The collaboration between Porsche and VARTA AG leverages their combined expertise in developing and manufacturing high-performance cylindrical lithium-ion cells. As part of the reorganization, V4Drive has been renamed V4Smart to highlight the broader applications of its advanced cells beyond the automotive industry. This strategic move is anticipated to attract new customer segments for ultra-high-performance lithium-ion cylindrical cells.
V4Smart’s cells are already integrated into Porsche’s 911 GTS models as booster cells, enhancing the performance of the renowned sports car. Production of these cells is currently underway at the Ellwangen facility, which has achieved series-production readiness with significant contributions from Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH. Additionally, a new manufacturing site in Nördlingen is set to commence production of cylindrical cells in April 2025.
Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG, stated, “The booster cells enable us to bring motorsport technology to our production cars. As a key component of the T-Hybrid drive system, they ensure exceptional driving performance from our iconic 911 sports car. Establishing V4Smart with its strong momentum and energy, I look forward to collaborating with our new team to further enhance our innovative capabilities.”
The joint venture will be managed by Lutz Kramer as Chairman of the Management Board, Andreas Tschürtz as Managing Director of Production, and Monika Steuss as Managing Director of Finance. By the end of 2025, V4Smart aims to expand its workforce to approximately 375 employees across both production sites, incorporating numerous employees from the VARTA AG-Group.
Development of the Nördlingen production line has been led by Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH with support from other engineering firms. Markus Kreutel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH, mentioned, “Through the development of battery production systems, we have expanded our business areas.“Thanks to the strategic partnership between V4Smart GmbH and Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH, we are now able to offer our customers the entire process chain for cylindrical cells – from cell chemistry and cell design to the finished cell or complete production plant.”
Additionally, Porsche AG plans to continue acquiring a stake in VARTA AG to support the company’s restructuring efforts in Baden-Württemberg. This transaction is still pending completion.
Source: Porsche Newsroom
