Elli commissions first large-scale battery storage system in Salzgitter, Germany

Elli's commissioning of the 20 MW PowerCentre in Salzgitter, Lower Saxony, represents a direct vertical integration by Volkswagen Group into grid-scale energy services, moving beyond its established electric vehicle charging network. This 40 MWh battery storage system enables Berlin-based Elli to directly participate in electricity trading markets, creating a new revenue stream from its energy subsidiary. The project, announced on 2026-03-09, positions Elli to leverage its parent company's battery technology expertise within the German power grid. This internal development allows Volkswagen to capture value from both EV charging infrastructure and grid balancing services. The PowerCentre's operational status indicates immediate market entry for Elli in the German storage sector. For Berlin-based Elli, this 20 MW PowerCentre in Salzgitter expands its mandate beyond providing energy and charging solutions for electric vehicles, now encompassing grid-scale storage. Volkswagen Group, as Elli's parent company, is directly extending its investment in electric vehicle-related infrastructure, including battery technology, into the German energy storage market. The PowerCentre project complements Elli's existing access to over 600,000 public charging points, creating synergies between EV charging demand and grid stability in Lower Saxony. This development by Volkswagen, a global automotive manufacturer, demonstrates how automotive OEMs are increasingly monetizing battery expertise and energy management capabilities beyond vehicle production. The 2026-03-09 announcement confirms Volkswagen's commitment to developing both charging infrastructure and grid-scale battery technology in Germany.