Solid-state battery specialist QuantumScape has taken a significant step toward scaling production of its B-sample cells, targeting larger quantities by 2025. The U.S.-based company has completed the installation of a critical separator production plant, an essential component for manufacturing its solid-state batteries at scale.
The proprietary separator system, dubbed ‘Cobra,’ has been fully developed, installed, and commissioned for initial processing. This breakthrough enables QuantumScape to transition from small-scale production, initiated in October, to a level supporting gigawatt-hour-scale production in the future. Tim Holme, QuantumScape’s co-founder and CTO, described Cobra as a “true breakthrough in ceramics manufacturing,” critical for scaling battery technology. While the company anticipates significant progress, CEO Dr. Siva Sivaram acknowledged that extensive work remains to optimize processes and meet production milestones.
QuantumScape’s B-sample cell, the QSE-5, represents its first commercial product and a leap in battery innovation. With a capacity of 5 Ah and an energy density exceeding 844 Wh/L, the QSE-5 boasts rapid charging capabilities, achieving a 10% to 80% state of charge in just 12.2 minutes. These cells, featuring anode-free solid-state lithium-metal technology, are undergoing testing by automotive customers, including Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary PowerCo, which aims to industrialize the technology through a licensing partnership.
While the QSE-5 showcases promising metrics, including operation in temperatures as low as -30°C and a discharge rate of up to 10C, QuantumScape remains cautious. The company is conducting extensive reliability and yield improvement tests to refine the product for commercial readiness. As part of its roadmap, QuantumScape continues to enhance cell performance and productivity to support the automotive sector’s shift toward high-density, fast-charging, and safe battery solutions.
