Volkswagen Group’s battery division, PowerCo, is set to begin large-scale production of QuantumScape’s groundbreaking solid-state lithium-metal battery cells for electric vehicles. The collaboration will see PowerCo leverage QuantumScape’s cutting-edge battery technology to produce high-performance cells for passenger EVs.
QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries feature a proprietary ceramic separator, replacing the conventional polymer separators found in most lithium-ion batteries. This innovative design allows for a pure lithium-metal anode, which enhances both energy and power density while improving safety by eliminating the flammable materials used in traditional separators.
Under the agreement, QuantumScape must first achieve specific technical milestones and remit royalties. Upon meeting these conditions, PowerCo will be granted a non-exclusive license for the large-scale manufacture of the solid-state cells. Initially, this license will permit PowerCo to produce up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of batteries per year, with a potential increase to 80 GWh annually—sufficient to power approximately one million electric vehicles.
QuantumScape’s technology aims to overcome the limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries by utilizing a ceramic separator instead of a polymer one. This advancement allows for the use of lithium-metal anodes, which offer significantly higher energy densities. The company claims that its solid-state batteries could extend the range of electric vehicles by up to 40% compared to current lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, these batteries support faster charging times and enhanced safety due to the non-combustible nature of the ceramic separator.
Earlier this year, Volkswagen Group reported that QuantumScape’s battery samples exceeded energy retention targets and successfully completed 1,000 charging cycles while retaining 95% of their rated storage capacity. These results set the stage for this new phase of production.
The key challenge moving forward is to manufacture these batteries cost-effectively at scale. The agreement between PowerCo and QuantumScape is designed to address this challenge and accelerate the adoption of solid-state battery technology in electric vehicles.
Thomas Schmall, a Volkswagen Group board member for technology, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and setting new performance benchmarks. This partnership with QuantumScape aligns with Volkswagen’s vision for the future of electrified vehicle fleets.
PowerCo SE, established by Volkswagen Group in 2022, consolidates all of the company’s electric vehicle battery development efforts. QuantumScape, founded in 2010 and publicly traded (NYSE: QS), continues to innovate in the field of solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.