Volkswagen's PowerCo partners with QuantumScape for next-gen solid-state batteries

Volkswagen Group's battery company PowerCo has entered a revolutionary agreement with QuantumScape to industrialise next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. This partnership aims to mass-produce advanced battery cells, enhancing electric vehicle (EV) performance and safety.

PowerCo and QuantumScape's collaboration represents a significant step towards meeting the increasing global demand for superior EV batteries. Under the agreement, PowerCo will initially produce up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells annually, with the potential to double this capacity to 80 GWh. This production volume could power approximately one million vehicles each year.

QuantumScape will provide its cutting-edge technology, featuring a solid-state ceramic separator and a pure lithium-metal anode. This innovation promises exceptional energy and power density, rapid charging capabilities, and enhanced safety. PowerCo will leverage its expertise in industrialisation and manufacturing to scale up this technology for integration into Volkswagen Group vehicles.

Accelerating industrialisation and commercialisation

The partnership will benefit from a combined workforce initiative, involving experts from both companies. This team will focus on accelerating the industrialisation of QuantumScape's technology, ensuring a smooth transition to large-scale production.

Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: "We aim to redefine the future of battery technology, delivering the most sustainable and advanced battery cells to our customers. We've been testing QuantumScape prototype cells for years, and we're excited to bring this future technology into series production. PowerCo's specialised expertise and global factories will facilitate the transition to industrial-scale production."

Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and President of QuantumScape, highlighted the significance of the agreement: "This is a major step in our global scale-up strategy to bring QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium-metal battery technology to market. Combining our cutting-edge technology with PowerCo’s manufacturing expertise establishes a blueprint for a capital-light business approach, positioning us at the forefront of energy storage innovation."

Volkswagen's commitment to sustainable mobility

Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board Member for Technology, underscored the importance of the partnership for Volkswagen's EV ambitions: "Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and this agreement with QuantumScape ensures that the Volkswagen Group’s global fleet will access 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."

Leadership and future plans

To lead PowerCo in this new phase of collaboration, Frank Blome has stepped down from QuantumScape’s board of directors, where he served since 2020. His successor will be announced in the coming months. QuantumScape co-founder and chairman Jagdeep Singh praised Blome's contributions: "Frank Blome has been an exceptional partner, providing invaluable contributions to our product portfolio strategy and key decisions about industrialisation. As we move forward, Frank will continue to be an active partner as an anchor manufacturer of our innovative battery technology, ensuring strength and continuity in our collaborative efforts."

The partnership between Volkswagen's PowerCo and QuantumScape marks a significant milestone in the evolution of EV battery technology. By combining QuantumScape's innovative solid-state lithium-metal technology with PowerCo's manufacturing capabilities, the agreement aims to produce advanced, sustainable batteries at a large scale. This collaboration is poised to set new standards in the EV industry, driving forward the future of sustainable mobility and energy storage solutions.