A number of German companies, including Volkswagen, BASF, Bosch, Evonik Degussa, Li-Tec and STEAG Saar Energie, recently joined forces to further develop high-performance batteries for stationary and mobile operation. The goal is to substantially increase the energy and performance density of the batteries and to accelerate their possible use in mass production.

Volkswagen, among others, is aiming for parallel use of various automotive drive systems -- all the way to zero-emission, 100-percent electric vehicles. It goes without saying that this new high-performance lithium-ion battery technology will spearhead all the R&D operations of the German automaker and its alliance partners.

About 360 million euros will be invested in this project by the participating industrial partners in the coming years. The German Ministry of Education and Research is also expected to support the initiative with an additional 60 million euros.