VDA 355 Module Dimensions and Specifications Explained
Short answer: A VDA 355 module measures approximately 355 × 151 × 108 mm. That mechanical envelope is what the format standardises — not the cell chemistry, cell count or energy content. Common configurations run from 1P4S to 1P12S, giving nominal voltages between roughly 12 V and 44 V depending on chemistry and series count.
The VDA 355 is a standardised prismatic battery module format defined through the German automotive industry association, the VDA. Its name derives directly from its nominal length: 355 millimetres. The format specifies the outer envelope, mounting interface and busbar positions, which allows modules from different cell suppliers to be used interchangeably within the same pack structure. What the format does not specify is the cell inside: chemistry, cell capacity and series/parallel arrangement are all choices the module builder makes within that fixed envelope.
For engineers designing a battery pack or evaluating a second-life storage system, the practical consequence is significant. The mechanical and thermal interfaces are fixed; the electrical characteristics are not. Understanding both sides of that boundary is essential before committing to a module specification.
What the VDA 355 format standardises
The standardisation covers three things:
- Outer dimensions — the mechanical envelope within which the module must fit
- Mounting interface — bolt pattern and reference surfaces that locate the module in a pack tray
- Busbar and terminal positions — so that adjacent modules connect without custom interconnects
It does not standardise cell format, cell chemistry, internal cell count, nominal voltage, capacity or energy content. Two VDA 355 modules from different suppliers can be mechanically interchangeable and electrically quite different. This is the design intent: pack builders can qualify a pack structure once and then source cells or modules competitively, or switch cell supplier without redesigning the structural enclosure.
For more context on how this format emerged from automotive supply chain requirements, see the background of the VDA 355 format.
VDA 355 module dimensions
The nominal dimensions of a VDA 355 module are:
| Dimension | Nominal value |
|---|---|
| Length | 355 mm |
| Width | 151 mm |
| Height | 108 mm |
In practice, individual suppliers' modules vary by ±1–2 mm on width and height depending on the cell geometry used and the module housing design. The 355 mm length is the defining dimension and is the most tightly controlled across the format. Engineers specifying a pack should request the supplier's dimensional drawing and verify the actual envelope, terminal height and any protrusions from the housing before finalising tray clearances.
Mass varies significantly with cell count and chemistry. Suppliers rarely publish it, so take it from the datasheet of the specific module rather than from the format: two modules in the same envelope can differ by several kilograms.
Cell configurations and their effect on voltage and energy
Because the format does not mandate cell count, a VDA 355 module can be built in several configurations. The notation follows the standard convention: P is the number of cells in parallel (which increases capacity and current capability), S is the number of cells in series (which sets the voltage).
| Configuration | Series cells | Parallel cells | Nominal voltage (LFP) | Nominal voltage (NCM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1P4S | 4 | 1 | ~12.8 V | ~14.8 V |
| 3P4S | 4 | 3 | ~12.8 V | ~14.8 V |
| 2P6S | 6 | 2 | ~19.2 V | ~22.2 V |
| 1P12S | 12 | 1 | ~38.4 V | ~44.4 V |
Nominal cell voltages used above: LFP ≈ 3.2 V per cell; NCM ≈ 3.7 V per cell. Actual figures vary by cell manufacturer and state of charge definition.
Energy content is the product of capacity and voltage. A 3P4S LFP module using 50 Ah cells, for example, would have a nominal capacity of 150 Ah at approximately 12.8 V, giving roughly 1.9 kWh. The same envelope with a 1P12S configuration and 100 Ah NCM cells would deliver approximately 4.4 kWh. The range of possible energy contents within one mechanical format is therefore wide, and comparing modules by format name alone is not sufficient for electrical design.
For engineers selecting between LFP and NCM chemistry in this format, the advantages of LFP chemistry in prismatic modules covers cycle life, thermal behaviour and safety characteristics relevant to that choice.
Chemistry options within the VDA 355 envelope
Two chemistries dominate current production of VDA 355 modules:
LFP (LiFePO₄) — lithium iron phosphate. Nominal cell voltage approximately 3.2 V. Lower energy density than NCM but higher cycle life (often cited at 3,000–6,000 cycles to 80% capacity, depending on conditions and cell design), better thermal stability and no cobalt in the cathode. Widely used in stationary storage and commercial vehicle applications.
NCM (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) — nominal cell voltage approximately 3.6–3.7 V. Higher energy density, which is relevant where mass and volume are constrained, as in passenger vehicle applications. Shorter cycle life than LFP under comparable conditions.
The choice of chemistry is made at the cell level, not the module format level. The VDA 355 envelope accommodates both. For a broader view of cell formats and chemistries available in this format, prismatic LFP and NCM cells from Avantis Energy lists current stock specifications.
The VDA 355 format compared with MEB 590
The MEB 590 is a larger prismatic module format associated with the Volkswagen MEB vehicle platform. It is nominally 590 mm long and carries substantially more energy per module, making it more common in passenger vehicle packs where energy density per unit is important. The VDA 355 format, being smaller, is more common in modular stationary storage, commercial vehicles and applications where physical integration constraints favour a smaller unit.
| Format | Nominal length | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| VDA 355 | 355 mm | Commercial vehicles, stationary storage, modular packs |
| MEB 590 | 590 mm | Passenger EVs, large-format stationary storage |
For a detailed look at the larger format, see the introduction to the MEB 590 module.
Regulatory context
Modules intended for use in vehicles or transported as goods must comply with applicable regulations regardless of format. UN 38.3 (administered by UNECE) sets transport safety test requirements for lithium cells and batteries. IEC 62619, published by the IEC, covers safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications. The EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542, published on EUR-Lex, introduces due diligence, carbon footprint and end-of-life requirements that apply to battery modules placed on the European market. Format standardisation does not confer regulatory compliance; each module configuration must be assessed on its own specification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a VDA 355 module?
A VDA 355 module is nominally 355 mm long, 151 mm wide and 108 mm tall. Supplier implementations may vary by ±1–2 mm on width and height. The 355 mm length is the defining and most consistent dimension across the format. Always verify exact dimensions from the supplier's dimensional drawing.
What does the VDA 355 format actually standardise?
The format standardises the outer mechanical envelope, the mounting bolt pattern and the busbar and terminal positions. It does not standardise cell chemistry, cell count, nominal voltage, capacity or energy content. Two VDA 355 modules can be mechanically interchangeable while differing significantly in electrical specification.
What configurations are available in a VDA 355 module?
Common configurations are 1P4S, 3P4S, 2P6S and 1P12S. The series count sets the nominal voltage (from approximately 12.8 V for a 4S LFP up to approximately 44 V for a 12S NCM); the parallel count sets the current capability and total capacity. Energy content within one mechanical envelope can range from under 1 kWh to over 4 kWh.
Can a VDA 355 module use both LFP and NCM chemistry?
Yes. The format is chemistry-agnostic. LFP cells give a nominal module voltage of approximately 3.2 V per cell in series; NCM cells give approximately 3.6–3.7 V per cell. The choice of chemistry affects energy density, cycle life, thermal behaviour and cost, but not the external mechanical interface of the module.
How does the VDA 355 differ from the MEB 590 module format?
The MEB 590 is nominally 590 mm long and typically carries more energy per module. The VDA 355 is the smaller of the two standardised formats and is more commonly used in modular stationary storage, commercial vehicles and applications with tighter physical integration constraints. Both formats standardise the mechanical envelope without mandating cell chemistry or electrical configuration.
Specify your module
Avantis Energy supplies VDA 355 and MEB 590 modules from stock, with full technical documentation. Review current configurations and specifications on the VDA and MEB battery module page, or contact Avantis Energy with a technical question or request for quotation.