The consortium is led by the lead investor PT1 – PropTech1 Ventures. Other investors include Helen Ventures, Aurum Impact, Eviny and existing investor AENU.
Electric cars are a solution to both the battery recycling problem and the energy transition. The Aachen-based startup enables the recycling of e-car batteries with specially developed, AI-based software that can evaluate batteries for their longevity. This gives batteries a second life in stationary operation. With the help of its operating systems and continuous monitoring, Voltfang says it can make its batteries last just as long as new batteries. The company has already carried out several successful pilot projects in Germany and has been able to win major customers such as ALDI Nord and Schaltbau.
“In ten years there will be no more new batteries in the commercial sector” said Roman Alberti, co-CEO of Voltfang. “It is not only about the sustainable recycling of batteries, but also about saving material imports and, above all, costs. With the help of our energy management system, our storage systems can be used intelligently and the battery can be amortised as quickly as possible.”
Voltfang is working to deliver more than 40 MWh of storage capacity in its products by the end of 2024. The company is aiming to tie much-needed capacity to the grid within the next few years to ensure grid stability.
“This is not only a benefit for our customers, but for everyone who wants to avoid blackouts” said Afshin Doostdar, CTO of Voltfang. “The grids are not designed for the energy transition. Electromobility, heat pumps and the fluctuating renewable energies require cost-effective and sustainable intermediate storage that can be used in the short term. With our energy storage systems we can do this and thus achieve a milestone in answering the fundamental challenges of the energy transition.”
Voltfang was founded in 2021 and has already launched a certified product ready for series production.As a spin-off from RWTH Aachen University, the startup now has 50 employees and runs a production site in Aachen.
“Stationary battery storage will play a central role in the energy system of the future by synchronising electricity generation and consumption” added Fabian Heilemann (AENU). “Since Voltfang's energy storage devices are made from reused electric car batteries, they not only contribute to the energy transition, but at the same time reduce the dependency and consumption of resources compared to the production of new batteries. With their academic and practical expertise, the Voltfang team has the optimal DNA to build a European champion in the field of 2nd-life batteries.
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