QuantumScape’s Solid State Battery Completes 500,000 KM With 5% Degradation

Solid-state cell stands out as a forward-thinking technology and a pivotal step in battery tech advancement - it possesses the potential for longer ranges, faster charging, and increased safety.

QuantumScape, a U.S. based entity, recently achieved a significant milestone with said tech, confirmed by PowerCo, an arm of the Volkswagen Group that carries out all its battery R&D activities. The 24-layer thick solid-state cell surpassed A-sample test requirements, completing over 1,000 charging cycles.

This translates to a significant 500,000 KM total mileage for an electric car with a WLTP range between 500 and 600 KM, with its cell retaining an impressive 95 percent capacity at the end of the test. These tests, which lasted several months, took place in PowerCo's Salzgitter battery laboratories.

"These are very encouraging results that vividly underscore the potential of the solid-state cell," says PowerCo CEO Frank Blome. He also added that this advancement could result in a battery cell with long range, ultra-fast charging, and minimal ageing.

Robustness is a critical criteria in standardised testing for new battery cells. QuantumScape's solid-state cell not only exceeded industry-standard targets for charging cycles and capacity loss, but it also met fast-charging, safety, and self-discharge criteria.

QuantumScape's Founder and CEO, Jagdeep Singh, emphasised the superior performance of their anodeless solid-state lithium-metal cells, stating, “Results from the Volkswagen Group's PowerCo testing affirm that QuantumScape's technology excels.” “While more work is required for market introduction, the discharge energy retention of our lithium-metal battery stands out.”

QuantumScape looks forward to working closely with the Volkswagen Group and PowerCo to bring this tech to market as soon as possible. Perfecting and scaling manufacturing processes is the next step towards series production.

More importantly, Volkswagen's PowerCo-developed “unified cell concept” is well-suited for solid-state cell technology. Since 2012, Volkswagen Group has been actively involved with QuantumScape, serving as a key investor in the technology start-up.