Research & Technology
at VARTA
As a globally recognized technology leader, VARTA's constant drive is to define the future of battery technology with innovative products to enable a more independent life.
The demand for mobile energy sources is becoming ever higher. Most applications are becoming smaller, lighter and smarter. At the same time, the resources used so far are becoming scarcer and alternative processes and materials have to be found. Through continuous investment in research and development, VARTA aims to maintain this balance between resource-saving products and technological progress, relying on a wide range of research projects aimed at sustainable marketable products.
Research locations
VARTA AG conducts the main part of its research work at three locations. Several safety and in-house chemical laboratories as well as prototype construction department support the international VARTA development team in their daily work. The process development team manages the realization of the projects and implementation in highly automated large-scale production.The electronics and software of the battery packs are also developed in-house in order to react as quickly as possible to changing market requirements.
As an innovation leader, VARTA AG also works closely with research institutes, government institutions and universities.
Nördlingen (GER)
The research team in Nördlingen focuses on the development of battery modules and systems as well as the automation and creation of digital business models for the future of energy.
Ellwangen (GER)
The research and development department at the headquarters focuses on the optimization and further development of existing cell types and products as well as research into future technologies and also transfers prototypes to customer-specific / customized series production.
Graz (AT)
VARTA's competence center in the field of materials research and qualification for future-oriented energy storage technologies is located in Graz. In addition, VARTA Innovation also offers customized research services.
Research focus
Research & Development at VARTA AG focuses on the further development of existing technologies, research of new materials and technologies for products and systems, as well as production engineering and quality assurance processes.
Further development of existing technologies
- Rechargeable lithium-ion cells
- Zinc-air cells
- Silver oxide cells
- Lithium-mass cells
- NiMH cells
Research of future technologies
- Printed batteries
- Rechargeable Zinc Systems
- Sodium-ion batteries
- Solid-State Technologies
- Beyond-lithium systems
- Alternative process control (solvent-free, etc.)
- Digitization
Research of new materials
Research of new materials for various electrochemical systems with the aim of optimizing fast-charging capability and energy density.
Research projects
VARTA AG's research projects are divided into 7 areas that reflect the challenges in the current and future battery market. The goal of all projects are marketable products that meet the requirements in the respective field of application and at the same time are resource-saving and cost-efficient. In addition to new products, the focus is also on optimizing existing production processes.
VARTA Patents
The innovative spirit of Adolph Müller, the founder of today's VARTA AG, is an essential part of VARTA's corporate culture. He registered his first patent in Germany as early as 1889. In the meantime, over 400 more patents have been added. The following examples are just a small part of VARTA's groundbreaking inventions, which have not only been incorporated into products, but have also made their mark on the market.
Did you know?
The oldest patent within the predecessor company of today's VARTA was granted in Germany in 1888 to E. Correns.
At the moment, VARTA AG has 522 granted patents, 23 utility models and 19 design patents.*
A further 295 patent applications are currently pending.*
VARTA is working on 42 publicly funded research projects.*
* 2024
R&D Services
VARTA Innovation GmbH contributes its expertise in the fields of materials research or qualification for electrochemical energy storage systems as an active partner in cooperative research projects and also offers it in form of contract research.
Cells
- Charge/discharge test
- Performance tests
- Temperature behavior
- Impedance analysis
- Aging tests
- Reference electrode tests
- Component analysis
Components
- Electrochemical investigations
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)
- Porosimetry
- BET measurement
- IR spectroscopy
- GC-MS analytics
- Viscosimetry/density determination
- Conductivity determination
- Karl Fischer titration
Materials
- Electrode production
- Particle sizing
- Scanning electron microscopy
- Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
- BET surface determination
- Infrared spectroscopy
- X-ray diffraction
- GC-MS analyses
- NMR (1H, 13C, 19F, 31P)
- Residual moisture determination according to Karl Fischer
We are also happy to support you in the development of an individual measurement method or an in-situ spectroelectrochemical method. If you are interested in our research services or have any questions, please contact us.
Production & Quality
Guaranteed quality and reliability
Quality responsibility
Every employee is responsible for the high quality of VARTA products. In order to live up to the claim "Quality made in Germany", we are continuously working on improvements.
Product safety
One of the most important quality features is the safety of VARTA products. In addition to the product safety during the manufacturing and use of the products, a safe transport and responsible disposal is also a high priority for VARTA.
Quality is planned and generated
All processes in the company are planned and managed to ensure the high standards of quality, efficiency and flexibility in every single production step.
Customer service
The basis for the high level of customer satisfaction at VARTA is the outstanding quality of the products. In order to guarantee this quality standard even after delivery of the goods, all VARTA customers receive the best possible support from the customer service department.
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