In a significant development, QuantumScape, a leading advanced battery technology company, has received commendation from PowerCo, the battery-centric subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, for the potential of its solid-state battery technology. Following endurance tests, PowerCo reported that QuantumScape’s 24-layer solid-state cells demonstrated the ability to power electric vehicles (EVs) for up to 500,000 kilometers with minimal range degradation. This achievement is a milestone in the collaborative efforts between QuantumScape and Volkswagen Group, showcasing the promising advancements in solid-state battery technology.
QuantumScape, known for its decade-long work in developing scalable, energy-dense solid-state battery cells, has Volkswagen as a key partner and one of its major investors. The collaborative efforts have resulted in the delivery of solid-state battery prototypes to automotive partners, including Volkswagen Group, in December 2022. Subsequent developments, including the delivery of more energy-dense cells and surpassing performance targets in October 2023, have positioned QuantumScape as a frontrunner in solid-state battery technology.
The recent endurance tests conducted by PowerCo involved QuantumScape’s 24-layer solid-state cells undergoing over 1,000 charge cycles, with the result indicating that the battery retained over 95% of its original capacity. This data supports QuantumScape’s earlier performance metrics, confirming the potential for longer-range EVs with significantly reduced battery degradation. PowerCo’s report suggests that an EV equipped with QuantumScape’s cells could drive approximately 500,000 kilometers without a noticeable loss of total range.
The endurance testing results surpassed industry-standard targets, with QuantumScape’s solid-state cells exceeding 700 charging cycles and demonstrating a maximum capacity loss of less than 5%. The cells also met or exceeded criteria related to fast-charging capabilities, safety, and self-discharge. PowerCo CEO Frank Blome expressed confidence in the solid-state cell’s potential, envisioning a battery that enables long ranges, quick charging, and minimal aging.
PowerCo’s unified cell concept design, developed for Volkswagen Group, is already compatible with QuantumScape’s solid-state cell technology. Both companies are now focused on perfecting and scaling the manufacturing processes, moving closer to the goal of scaled solid-state battery production. While challenges remain, the collaboration aims to bring long-range, solid-state EVs to market, representing a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable electric mobility.
QuantumScape’s founder and CEO, Jagdeep Singh, emphasized the remarkable performance of the anodeless solid-state lithium-metal cells during PowerCo’s testing. While acknowledging the need for further work to bring the technology to market, Singh highlighted the exceptional discharge energy retention exhibited by QuantumScape’s cells, expressing excitement about the ongoing collaboration with Volkswagen Group and PowerCo to industrialize and expedite the market introduction of this groundbreaking technology.