Volkswagen Group achieves a significant milestone with its battery arm securing a license to mass produce QuantumScape’s groundbreaking solid-state battery (SSB) technology, promising a new era of electric vehicles with enhanced performance and safety.
PowerCo lands license to mass-produce QuantumScape’s SSBs
Volkswagen Group’s PowerCo officially inked a deal with American solid-state battery developer QuantumScape on Thursday for the mass production of the latter’s next-gen SSBs, according to the press release.
As part of the agreement, PowerCo demonstrated “satisfactory technical progress” and paid certain royalties before QuantumScape granted the VW battery unit the non-exclusive license to mass-produce SSB cells based on its technology platform.
The non-exclusive license basically allows PowerCo to produce up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of next-gen solid-state lithium-metal batteries annually using QuantumScape’s technology. The partners left the door open for a potential annual production increase of up to 80 GWh.
VW Group noted that this expanded capacity is sufficient to power approximately 1,000,000 electric vehicles with SSBs annually.
Revolutionizing EVs with increased range and safety
QuantumScape’s technology platform stems from its proprietary solid-state ceramic separator. This innovative platform enables the adoption of a pure lithium-metal anode to substantially improve the battery’s energy and power density, fast charging, and safety.
The partnership could significantly accelerate the commercialization of QuantumScape’s next-gen solid-state lithium-metal batteries, potentially revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry.
“Combining our cutting-edge technology with PowerCo’s expertise in manufacturing and industrialization, this deal establishes a blueprint for a capital-light business approach and positions us at the forefront of energy storage innovation. Working closely with PowerCo as our first customer will help us accelerate commercialization and adoption of these game-changing batteries together.”
Dr. Siva Sivaram, QuantumScape President & CEO
QuantumScape and PowerCo also seek to “target a product that will be scaled-up for integration in a Volkswagen Group vehicle series.”
“This agreement with QuantumScape will ensure the Volkswagen Group’s global fleet has access to this groundbreaking battery technology for years to come. We are committed to driving the industry forward to ensure that our electric vehicles set the benchmark for excellence and sustainability.”
Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology, Thomas Schmall
This newly announced partnership follows an earlier joint venture between the VW Group and QuantumScape to co-manufacture electric vehicle batteries., highlighting both parties’ commitment to accelerate the shift to clean energy technologies.
