In a significant move that underscores its commitment to advancing battery technology, Porsche AG has acquired the V4Drive business unit from VARTA AG and rebranded it as V4Smart. This strategic acquisition marks a new chapter in the sports car manufacturer’s journey toward integrating cutting-edge battery solutions into its vehicles and beyond.
A Strategic Partnership for High-Performance Batteries
The transaction, finalized on March 4, 2025, positions Porsche as the majority shareholder of V4Smart, while VARTA AG retains a minority stake without operational influence. This partnership combines Porsche’s expertise in automotive engineering with VARTA AG’s long-standing experience in battery technology. The renaming of V4Drive to V4Smart reflects the company’s realignment and its focus on delivering ultra-high-performance cylindrical lithium-ion cells for a wide range of applications, not limited to the automotive sector.
Revolutionizing Battery Technology
The acquisition aligns with Porsche’s vision to integrate motorsport-derived technologies into its production vehicles. The high-performance cylindrical cells developed by V4Smart have already found their way into series production, notably in the 911 GTS models, enhancing their driving performance. These cells are currently manufactured at the Ellwangen site, with plans to expand production to a new facility in Nördlingen from April 2025.
Management and Expansion Plans
The management of V4Smart will be led by an experienced team:
- Lutz Kramer as Chairman of the Management Board (formerly with Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH)
- Andreas Tschürtz as Managing Director Production (formerly with VARTA AG)
- Monika Steuss as Managing Director Finance (formerly with Porsche AG)
By the end of 2025, the company aims to expand its workforce to approximately 375 employees, primarily hiring from the VARTA AG Group. This expansion will reinforce V4Smart’s capacity to deliver innovative battery solutions while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability.
A New Era for Battery Production
The partnership between V4Smart and Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH ensures that customers can access the entire process chain for cylindrical cells, from cell chemistry and design to finished products or complete production plants. Markus Kreutel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche Werkzeugbau GmbH, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “This transaction marks a new era in battery technology, where we combine expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions.”
Looking Ahead
Porsche’s strategic acquisition of V4Drive and its renaming to V4Smart signal a shift toward broader applications of high-performance batteries. As the company continues to innovate, it is poised to make significant strides in the automotive and beyond industries.
