German battery manufacturer CustomCells said it is realigning its business to focus on defence applications and motorsport, following its rescue by an investor consortium and the completion of key restructuring measures after insolvency proceedings.
The company said its new managing directors, Benno Leuthner as chief executive and Jan Diekmann as chief technology officer, have formally taken up their roles, marking what CustomCells described as a fresh start with a “significantly sharpened strategic focus”.
See also: CustomCells Secures Rescue Deal With Abacon-Led Consortium, Shifts Focus to E-Mobility
Under the new strategy, CustomCells will prioritise customised battery solutions for defence customers and high-performance applications in motorsport, including Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where hybrid powertrains are used in the top-tier Hypercar class. The company said the shift towards defence had already been signalled when the investor-led rescue was announced earlier this year.
Founded in 2012, CustomCells has traditionally focused on tailor-made battery cells rather than large-scale mass production. Through its Cellforce unit, a joint venture with Porsche, the company also developed battery cells for high-performance electric vehicles. However, CustomCells was heavily exposed to the air mobility sector, with air taxi developer Lilium as its largest customer, and was drawn into financial difficulties following Lilium’s collapse.
See also: German Battery Manufacturer CustomCells Files for Insolvency After Lilium’s Financial Troubles
“Our strength lies in special solutions. We develop battery cells that precisely match our customers’ operating conditions,” said Andreas Löhrke, chief product officer at CustomCells. “This remains our core business—only now with a stronger focus, greater speed, and a significantly more robust organisation.”
CustomCells said demand for specialised battery solutions is increasing, particularly in the defence sector. The company added that it is among a limited number of European battery manufacturers already producing cells that meet military standards and can offer a supply chain that is largely independent of China, a factor it said supports Europe’s technological sovereignty in security-critical industries.
See also: Volkswagen’s PowerCo Starts Battery Cell Production at Salzgitter Gigafactory
“We are embarking on this fresh start with clear priorities, a robust investor base, and an agile organisation,” Leuthner said. “Our customers can rely on us to continue developing technologically leading solutions—faster, more focused, and consistently aligned with their individual requirements.”