QuantumScape Corporation (QS), specialists in next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology, and PowerCo, the battery company of the Volkswagen (VW) Group, premiered the world's first live demonstration of QS solid-state lithium-metal batteries powering an electric vehicle with a Ducati motorcycle equipped with QSE-5 battery cells
The demonstration presented the first anode-free solid-state batteries to advance from laboratory discovery to a real-world vehicle.
The showcase took place at IAA Mobility during an address from Thomas Schmall, CEO of VW Group Components, where a modified Ducati V21L motorcycle rode across the main stage powered by QS solid-state technology.
The motorcycle contained a first-of-its-kind battery system designed by the team at VW Group, highlighting future potential for the technology on the racetrack. This would be a challenging proving ground for the technology, which so far has demonstrated capabilities such as 844Wh/L energy density, charging from 10-80% in just over 12 minutes, and a 10C continuous discharge.
Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and president of QS, said, "We believe that our partnership with PowerCo, together with Ducati as our demonstration launch partner, positions us to scale our transformative technology to gigawatt-hour production. Our world-leading battery innovation, combined with Ducati's uncompromising craftsmanship and legendary commitment to performance, will help usher in a new era of electrified transportation."
Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo, said, “The EV revolution is the biggest transformation the automotive industry has ever seen. Solid-state batteries will redefine what's possible for high-performance, premium vehicles, and today’s historic demonstration is just the beginning. We’re combining QuantumScape’s world-class battery scientists with PowerCo’s manufacturing expertise to bring game-changing solid-state battery technology to the world as soon as possible.”
QS is not the only company advancing solid-state battery technology. Companies like Toyota have been researching solid-state batteries for over a decade and are working to advance the technology for commercial production in electric vehicles (EVs).
Solid Power specialises in solid-state battery technology for EVs, and earlier this year saw BMW integrate its solid-state batteries into the BMW i7.
Samsung SDI have been researching solid-state batteries to enhance energy density and safety, and mass production of its battery is expected by 2027.
