Porsche Acquires V4Drive, Launches V4Smart for Advanced Battery Technology
On 1 March 2025, Porsche AG successfully acquired V4Drive GmbH from the VARTA AG-Group, becoming the new majority shareholder, whilst VARTA AG retains a minority stake with no operational influence. This acquisition marks a collaborative effort between Porsche and VARTA AG to pool their expertise in developing and manufacturing high-performance cylindrical cells. Reflecting this strategic realignment, V4Drive has been renamed V4Smart, highlighting the broad potential applications of these cells beyond just automotive uses. This development will attract new customer segments seeking ultra-high-performance lithium-ion cylindrical cells.
V4Smart cells have already entered series production at Porsche, enhancing the 911 GTS models with booster cells that elevate the vehicle’s performance. These cells are currently produced at the Ellwangen site, which has been upgraded to full series-production readiness through significant contributions from Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH. Starting in April, production will expand to a new facility at the Nördlingen site.
Albrecht Reimold, Porsche AG’s Executive Board Member for Production and Logistics, commented, “The booster cells incorporate motorsport technology into our production vehicles, notably enhancing the 911’s driving performance as a critical component of the T-Hybrid drive system. As V4Smart gains momentum, I am eager to collaborate with our new team, whose expertise will significantly boost our innovation capacity.” The joint venture’s management team includes Lutz Kramer as Chairman of the Management Board (formerly of Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH), Andreas Tschürtz as Managing Director of Production (formerly VARTA AG), and Monika Steuss as Managing Director of Finance (formerly Porsche AG). By the end of 2025, V4Smart aims to expand its workforce to approximately 375 at both sites, incorporating a substantial number of former VARTA AG-Group employees.
The development of the production line at the Nördlingen site has been led by Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH, with support from various plant engineering firms. Markus Kreutel, Chairman of Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH and future Advisory Board member of V4Smart GmbH & Co. KG, stated, “Our development of battery production systems has allowed us to expand our business areas. The strategic partnership with V4Smart GmbH enables us to offer our customers the complete process chain for cylindrical cells, from cell chemistry and design to the finished cell or complete production plant.” Future production will primarily utilise cutting-edge systems powered by renewable energy sources.
Additionally, Porsche AG plans to continue pursuing a stake in VARTA AG to support the Baden-Württemberg-based group's restructuring efforts, although this transaction is still pending completion.
