Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website Volkswagen partners with QuantumScape to secure access to solid-state battery technology
june 22, 2018 - Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen partners with QuantumScape to secure access to solid-state battery technology

  • Objective of new joint venture with #quantumscape is the commercialization of innovative solid-state battery technology
  • Volkswagen is the largest #automotive shareholder in Stanford spin-off #quantumscape Corporation
  • Volkswagen Group will take a seat on the board of QuantumScape

 

By increasing its stake in the California technology company #quantumscape Corporation and forming a new joint venture, Volkswagen Group is paving the way for the next level of battery power for long-range e-mobility. Dr. Axel Heinrich, Head of VW Group Research, who will take a seat on the board of directors of #quantumscape, says: “We want to accelerate the commercialization of QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries. And we combine forces to leverage Volkswagen’s experience as a production specialist and #quantumscape technology leadership. Volkswagen is thus taking another step toward a sustainable, zero emission mobility for our customers in the future.” Volkswagen will invest 100m USD in US-based #quantumscape and will become the innovative enterprise’s largest #automotive shareholder. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

 

Since 2012, Volkswagen Group Research has already been collaborating closely with the Stanford spin-off.  Based on the significant technical progress that this cooperation has made, #quantumscape and Volkswagen will work together within a newly formed joint venture with the aim to enable an industrial level of production of solid-state batteries. One of the long-term targets is to establish a production line for solid-state batteries by 2025.

“Volkswagen is the world’s largest #automotive manufacturer and leads the industry in its commitment to electrification of its fleet,” says Jagdeep Singh, CEO of #quantumscape. “We are thrilled to be chosen by Volkswagen to power this transition.  We think the higher range, faster charge times, and inherent safety of QuantumScape’s solid-state technology will be a key enabler for the next generation of electrified powertrains.”

Founded in 2010, #quantumscape is headquartered in San José, California and holds approximately 200 patents and patent applications for solid-state battery technology. Its deep expertise makes the company a leading pioneer in the development of this form of energy storage. “The solid-state battery will mark a turning point for e-mobility”, says Axel Heinrich of Volkswagen Group. “By increasing our stake in #quantumscape and forming the joint venture we strengthen and deepen our strategic cooperation with an innovative partner and secure access to the promising #quantumscape battery technology for Volkswagen.”

Solid-state battery cell technology is seen as the most promising approach for the e-mobility of the future. For example, a solid-state battery would increase the range of the E-Golf to approximately 750 kilometers compared with the present 300 kilometers. This battery technology has further advantages over the present lithium-ion technology: higher energy density, enhanced safety, better fast charging capability and – above all – they take up significantly less space. A solid-state battery of the same size as a current battery package can achieve a range comparable to that of conventional vehicles.  While the approach has a lot of promise, advances have been difficult to attain and no other battery supplier has been able to achieve #automotive performance. Volkswagen successfully tested #quantumscape early-stage solid-state battery sample cells in Germany running at #automotive rates of power—an industry first.