Volkswagen's Elli commissions 20 MW/40 MWh 'Elli PowerCenter' battery storage project in Salzgitter, marking entry into stationary battery storage and energy trading markets

The commissioning of the 20 MW/40 MWh 'Elli PowerCenter' battery storage facility in Salzgitter, Germany, represents Volkswagen Group Charging GmbH's (Elli) direct entry into the stationary battery storage and energy trading markets. This development, announced on 2026-03-10, positions Elli to leverage its existing energy sector expertise beyond electric vehicle charging. The project's 40 MWh capacity allows for significant grid balancing capabilities within the German energy market. By developing and operating this storage asset, Elli aims to capture value from energy arbitrage and ancillary services, diversifying its revenue streams beyond its core 600,000 EV charging points across 29 European countries. This strategic move allows Elli to integrate renewable energy sources more effectively into its broader energy ecosystem, supporting Volkswagen's larger electrification goals. Volkswagen Group Charging GmbH (Elli), a Berlin-based provider, extends its operational footprint from over 600,000 EV charging points across 29 European countries into grid-scale infrastructure with the 'Elli PowerCenter'. As a subsidiary of Volkswagen, Elli's move aligns with the parent company's broader investment in electric vehicles and related infrastructure, including battery technology and charging solutions. This 20 MW storage project in Salzgitter demonstrates Volkswagen's commitment to vertically integrating energy solutions, moving beyond just manufacturing EVs to managing the energy ecosystem supporting them. The global automotive manufacturer is expanding its role in the energy transition, utilizing its internal capabilities to develop and operate critical energy assets. This strategic expansion by Volkswagen into stationary storage could set a precedent for other automotive OEMs seeking to monetize their battery expertise and energy market insights.