The battery is the heart of every electric vehicle – and the key to sustainable mobility. Andreas Laireiter, e-mobility specialist at AMAG Import AG, explains how innovative battery technologies, recycling concepts and second-life projects are driving change at the AMAG Group.
«Although it’s now six years ago, I can still clearly remember my first day with an electric vehicle», says Andreas Laireiter, e-mobility specialist and Team Leader of Vehicle Product Support at AMAG Import AG. «Back then, the range was only 100 kilometres, so I had to plan exactly how and where I could charge my electric car». But times change and a lot has happened in the electromobility space in recent years. In September 2024, AMAG exceeded a WLTP range: on just a single charge, the Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S covered an impressive 794 kilometres driving through cities, the countryside and on motorways in Switzerland. Andreas Laireiter believes «This is only the beginning».
New expertise and modern workshops
The record is a perfect example of how quickly electromobility has developed over recent years. As a leading provider of electric vehicles in Switzerland, the AMAG Group plays a central role in this development. Of course, change is not a guarantee – on the contrary: «The transformation requires workshops to be completely overhauled». says Andreas Laireiter, pointing out an important consideration. High-voltage workstations need to be designed safely and efficiently, including special quarantine areas for vehicles and high-voltage components as well as mobile charging infrastructure, which is required for repairs and maintenance work. «Employees also need new skills and capabilities to work with high-voltage equipment and electrical systems». This drive for change can also be seen everywhere in the AMAG Academy.
Innovative battery technologies
Battery technology in itself is also a major topic. Most of Volkswagen AG’s latest vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which boast high energy density and provide excellent performance.
In a few years, we’ll see battery technology that can deliver ranges of 1,000 kilometres.
Second-life projects and recycling
However, if a battery reaches the end of its service life, the AMAG Group allows customers to return it to ensure it is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Batteries that are no longer suitable for vehicles are often suitable for second-life projects. For example, they can be used as energy storage systems for solar installations, fast chargers or charging points for electric bikes. However, Laireiter emphasises that these applications are still in their infancy. The main challenges lie in standardisation as battery modules from different manufacturers have different specifications.
The AMAG Group works with various partners to recycle lithium-ion batteries. Battery modules that are suitable for a second use or high-quality recycling are returned to the Volkswagen Group and its subsidiary PowerCo, where they are either used in new energy storage solutions or reconditioned in PowerCo’s gigafactories. For batteries that can no longer be reused, AMAG also cooperates with Häfeli-Brügger AG to recover valuable materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt. «This closed cycle minimises environmental impact and maximises resource efficiency», explains Andreas Laireiter.
This closed cycle minimises environmental impact and maximises resource efficiency.
However, we are still a long way from the end of development. The next innovation in solid-state batteries is just around the corner, promising higher energy densities, shorter charging times and an even better ecological footprint. Volkswagen AG has already achieved some initial success in this area and is working closely with the US company QuantumScape. Andreas Laireiter is confident that «In a few years, we’ll see battery technologies that can deliver ranges of 1,000 kilometres. This will not only make electric vehicles more attractive but also set new standards in sustainability». Alongside technological development, Andreas Laireiter also recognises the social dimension: «It’s about promoting acceptance and awareness of sustainable mobility. We are only at the beginning of an exciting journey».
Materials such as graphite, lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt are currently used to produce batteries for electric vehicles. The Volkswagen Group is conducting intensive research into battery technologies that require fewer resources to reduce the environmental footprint of batteries. One example of the company’s efforts is their partnership with cleantech startup Vulcan, which will supply lithium from the Upper Rhine Valley in south-west Germany from 2026 onwards.
An innovative process that uses geothermal energy ensures that no greenhouse gas emissions are produced during extraction, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the batteries even more.
The Group is building a gigafactory for battery cells in Salzgitter, which will employ up to 5,000 people and produce batteries for around 500,000 vehicles a year. The VW Group has invested around 2 billion euros to turn the site into its battery centre. The factory is part of its PowerCo subsidiary, which was founded in 2022 and brings together Volkswagen’s global battery business. The aim is to give the company more control over the battery value chain and reduce dependence on external suppliers. Volkswagen is aiming for PowerCo to achieve an annual turnover of more than 20 billion euros by 2030.
Using resources sustainably and continuing to develop battery technology are key elements in shaping the future of mobility in a responsible way. However, electric vehicle drivers can also help: «Driving and charging carefully can significantly extend the service life of batteries», explains the e-mobility specialist. «Avoiding super-fast charging and constant quick acceleration can have a positive impact on battery life». Regular software updates can also help optimise the efficiency of battery systems. Over-the-air updates ensure that vehicles are always kept up to date and that energy can be used as efficiently as possible.
