Second-Life EV Batteries: How Voltfang Raised €15M to Replace Coal in Europe

What if the key to Europe’s energy independence lies in the batteries of yesterday’s electric cars? This isn’t science fiction—it’s Voltfang’s reality. Today’s episode takes you inside the world of second-life EV batteries, where German climate tech startup Voltfang is repurposing used electric car batteries to stabilize power grids, decentralize energy systems, and replace coal-fired plants across Europe. With a €15M funding round and partnerships with major players like Stuttgart Airport, Voltfang is scaling from humble camper van hacks to operating Europe’s largest second-life battery factory. What You'll Learn: How second-life EV batteries can transform renewable energy storage. Why energy decentralization is critical for Europe’s climate future. The startup journey from garage project to €15M scale-up. Lessons on resilience and leadership from Voltfang’s co-founders. Common misconceptions about scaling cleantech startups. Insider insights into Germany’s and DACH’s energy transition. Guest Spotlight:David Oudsandji, CEO & Co-Founder of Voltfang, shares the story of how three friends turned a side project into one of Europe’s most ambitious clean energy startups. With a background in industrial engineering and a bold vision to shut down coal plants like Weissweiler (1.6 GW), David unpacks the challenges and triumphs of scaling in a high-impact sector. 🎧 If you’re inspired by stories of startups driving global impact, hit “Follow” on Spotify or “Subscribe” on Apple Podcasts.⭐ Leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with fellow founders and investors.💬 What’s your moonshot for the future of energy? Tell us on LinkedIn or Threads using #Startupradio.Guest Name: David Oudsandji, CEO & Co-Founder at VoltfangBlog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/second-life-ev-batteries-powering-europe%E2%80%99s-energy-future Timestamps: 00:00 – Can Second-Life Batteries Replace Coal?02:15 – The Camper Van Experiment That Sparked Voltfang06:40 – From Prototype to €15M Raise10:55 – Pivoting From Home to Industrial Energy Storage15:30 – Decentralizing Europe’s Energy Grids20:05 – Lessons in Cleantech Startup Leadership23:00 – Voltfang’s Moonshot Vision for a Coal-Free Europe25:10 – Closing Reflections and Future Plans✉️ Work with us: partnerships@startuprad.io💬 Feedback: https://forms.gle/Qp53eVuc9P1RMqWj8💼 Follow Jörn on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenningerstartups, second life EV batteries, energy decentralization Europe, german startups, tech entrepreneurs, capital growth, startup scaling cleantech, angel investors, DACH startup ecosystem, climate tech founders, venture capital cleantech Germany