QuantumScape, a solid-state battery technology specialist and partner of Volkswagen, has initiated production of its first B-type cells, marking a significant achievement for 2024. The newly developed B-sample cell, named QSE-5, features a capacity of 5 Ah and an energy density exceeding 800 Wh/l. According to the company’s recent third-quarter report, small-scale production has begun, with initial deliveries set for testing with automotive customers, including Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, PowerCo. This collaboration aims to industrialize solid-state batteries and involves a licensing partnership for the mass production of these cells on a gigawatt-hour scale.
QuantumScape describes the QSE-5 as a notable product, claiming it to be the first anode-free solid-state lithium-metal cell designed for automotive applications. The company emphasizes its potential to deliver exceptional performance across various metrics, including energy density, discharge power, charging speed, low-temperature performance, and safety. However, it has acknowledged the need for extensive testing to improve key performance indicators such as cell reliability and production yield.
The QSE-5 cell measures 84.5mm x 65.6mm x 4.6mm and can charge from 10% to 80% in under 15 minutes at 45 degrees Celsius. It boasts an energy density of 844 Wh/L and a discharge rate of up to 10C, while also functioning effectively at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. This new cell follows previous prototypes, including the ‘A0’ and ‘Alpha-2’ cells, which were delivered to car manufacturers for testing in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
In addition to developing the QSE-5 cells, QuantumScape is working on manufacturing processes to support large-scale production. The Raptor production process has been implemented for the QSE-5, while the Cobra production process for the solid-state electrolyte separator is still under development, with an expected availability in 2025.
The partnership with PowerCo is seen as a significant agreement by QuantumScape. The first phase focuses on collaborative efforts to industrialize the QSE-5 technology platform, with PowerCo providing skilled personnel. Upon satisfactory progress, QuantumScape plans to license the mass production of battery cells to PowerCo for royalties, including a $130 million prepayment.
Joint development activities are currently ongoing at QuantumScape’s facilities in San Jose, with Volkswagen being a long-time investor and collaborator since 2012. The new agreement, which replaces a previous joint venture, sees PowerCo taking the lead in the partnership. PowerCo has confirmed the promising results from testing QuantumScape’s solid-state battery cells, indicating a commitment to the company’s technology.
PowerCo intends to produce up to 40 gigawatt-hours per year using QuantumScape’s technology, with the potential to double that capacity. However, specific timelines for production have not been disclosed.
In terms of leadership changes, co-founder and CEO Jagdeep Singh will step down from the Executive Board at the end of 2024, after nearly 15 years with the company. Dennis Segers, formerly CEO of Xilinx, will succeed him. Additionally, Dr. Günther Mendl will join QuantumScape’s Board of Management to replace Frank Blome, who resigned earlier in the year. Despite the promising developments, QuantumScape anticipates a loss of $280 to $300 million in the current year due to the capital-intensive nature of its operations.
