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QuantumScape’s solid-state cell passes first endurance test

February 04, 2024

QuantumScape and PowerCo, a division of the Volkswagen Group, have reported encouraging results from their latest tests on solid-state battery cells.

They mentioned the 24-layer solid-state cells significantly exceeded industry-standard targets for robustness in the current development phase. The cell also met the requirements for other test criteria such as fast-charging capability, safety, and self-discharge.

The industry-standard targets for this development phase are 700 charging cycles and a maximum capacity loss of 20 percent, which they surpassed.

The next step towards series production is to perfect and scale the manufacturing processes. Volkswagen’s unified cell concept developed by PowerCo is also suitable for the use of solid-state cell technology. The Volkswagen Group has been involved in QuantumScape since 2012 and is one of the main investors in the technology start-up.

PowerCo CEO Frank Blome commented on the results, “These are very encouraging results that impressively underpin the potential of the solid-state cell. The final result of this development could be a battery cell that enables long ranges, can be charged super-quickly and practically does not age. We are convinced of the solid-state cell and are continuing to work at full speed with our partner QuantumScape towards series production.”

Jagdeep Singh, Founder & CEO of QuantumScape, also shared his thoughts on the test results, “These results from the Volkswagen Group’s PowerCo testing make clear that QuantumScape’s anodeless solid-state lithium-metal cells are capable of exceptional performance. While we have more work to do to bring this technology to market, we are not aware of any other automotive-format lithium-metal battery that has shown such high discharge energy retention over a comparable cycle count under similar conditions. We’re excited to be working closely with the Volkswagen Group and PowerCo to industrialize this technology and bring it to market as quickly as possible.”