San Jose, CA, October 24, 2024 – QuantumScape (NYSE: QS), a leading developer of next-generation solid-state lithium-metal batteries, has announced that it has begun producing and shipping low-volume B-sample cells of its flagship product, QSE-5, for testing by automotive customers. This milestone represents one of QuantumScape’s most important goals for 2024 as the company continues to develop its anode-free solid-state battery technology for automotive applications.
The QSE-5 B-sample cells boast an energy density of over 800 Wh/L and are capable of fast charging from 10% to 80% in less than 15 minutes, which is a significant achievement for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. According to QuantumScape, these cells are the first-ever anode-free solid-state lithium-metal cell design produced specifically for automotive applications.
“The B-sample phase is a critical step in our journey towards bringing our solid-state batteries to market,” said Jagdeep Singh, CEO of QuantumScape. “These cells provide automotive OEMs with the opportunity to test our battery technology under real-world conditions, allowing us to gather important feedback before moving into final production stages.”
The QSE-5 cells aim to deliver exceptional performance across several key metrics: high energy density, fast charging capabilities, impressive discharge power, reliable low-temperature performance, and enhanced safety. QuantumScape’s cell design is expected to address many of the limitations of current lithium-ion batteries, making it highly competitive in the fast-evolving EV market.
QuantumScape previously delivered A-sample cells of its QSE-5 technology to multiple automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Volkswagen Group’s PowerCo, in December 2022. These initial samples exceeded performance expectations, helping to solidify QuantumScape’s position as a pioneer in solid-state battery development.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which expand and contract during charge and discharge cycles, the QSE-5 solid-state cell is specifically engineered to manage these changes in a fixed-volume module. The design of the QSE-5 allows it to operate below an applied pressure of 3.4 atm, ensuring that the cells remain stable and highly efficient throughout the charging cycle.
The QSE-5 cells are built using QuantumScape’s FlexFrame format, which combines elements of both prismatic and pouch cell designs. This hybrid format enables tighter packing of individual cells, improving volumetric efficiency and allowing for more compact battery modules, which is critical for automotive applications.
The company is now working closely with its automotive partners to refine the B-sample cells based on their feedback. Once these improvements have been integrated, QuantumScape plans to move into the final C-sample phase, which will involve testing the cells in actual electric vehicles. The rigorous testing during this final phase will determine whether the QSE-5 cells are ready for mass production and commercial rollout.
As QuantumScape continues to advance its solid-state battery technology, it is well-positioned to make a major impact on the EV industry by offering solutions that provide faster charging, longer driving ranges, and enhanced safety for future electric vehicles.
