Maximizing intelligence and safety

The problem with conventional battery packs is that they are only ever as strong as the weakest link in the chain. This means that they slow each other down. Hannemann and Schandert found a way to overcome this weakness: they developed an intelligent system that ensures consistent use and utilization of all battery modules. The performance and service life of the modules is significantly increased as a result. "We add a brain to the battery cells," says Schandert. "At Tesvolt, strong cells support weaker cells." This remains the inventors' patented formula for success to this day.

What's more: Tesvolt has also been setting European safety standards. The start-up is one of just a few companies to have its battery systems tested and certified by TÜV Rheinland. This means that the storage units offer the greatest possible level of protection against defects and fires. They can be connected to power grids and the Internet or run autonomously. Tesvolt is happy to help at all stages: from initial planning and installation of the storage units through to service and maintenance. The largest project in the company's history to date is currently under construction in Worms, where the Wittenberg-based company is building a battery park worth millions for a solar park operated by an energy supplier from Rhineland-Palatinate – one of the largest battery storage projects in Germany.

Saxony-Anhalt provides early support

The state of Saxony-Anhalt was among the first supporters in this success story. Three years after its foundation, the funding instrument IBG Beteiligungsgesellschaft is already investing several million euros in the young company. The Princely House of Liechtenstein has also been a leading shareholder since 2021. However, more than half of the shares still belong to the founders – and they want to keep it like that. "We are young, innovative and agile," says Simon Schandert. "We don't want to be restricted by corporate structures." They also want to stay in their home country, and appreciate the short distances within the triangle formed by Magdeburg, Leipzig and Berlin. The two entrepreneurs are also excited about the support they have been receiving from their state government: State Premier Reiner Haseloff attended the ground-breaking ceremony for the gigafactory and is a great advocate of Tesvolt. "As a politician and a physicist he understands what we do and why we do it. That is hugely important for us,” Schandert explains.

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