Toyota, Voltfang Launch Large-Scale Used EV Battery Storage in Japan, Germany

Toyota and German startup Voltfang are advancing innovative uses of second-life electric vehicle batteries to support sustainable energy storage. Toyota has launched field testing of its Sweep Energy Storage System at Mazda’s Hiroshima factory, repurposing used EV and hybrid batteries to create a stable energy storage grid that balances renewable energy flow and extends battery lifecycles. This system can integrate batteries of varied chemistries and conditions by maintaining their original energy management systems, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for carbon footprint reduction in automotive manufacturing. Meanwhile, Voltfang has opened Europe’s largest second-life battery storage production facility in Aachen, Germany, with plans to produce 250 MWh of storage capacity by 2026 and 1 GWh by 2030, targeting commercial and industrial applications such as solar and wind energy storage. Despite challenges like limited supply of used batteries and competition from new, more efficient battery technologies, Voltfang emphasizes sustainability, circular economy benefits, and energy independence in its approach. Both Toyota and Voltfang exemplify growing efforts to address EV battery waste and support the renewable energy transition through practical, second-life battery solutions.