QuantumScape’s proprietary solid-state technology uses a solid ceramic electrolyte separator to prevent dendrite formation and a lithium-metal anode formed during initial charging, achieving energy densities over 800 Wh/L, rapid 10–80% charging in under 15 minutes, and stable performance over 1,000 cycles with >95% capacity retention.
The QSE-5 cell prototype incorporates multiple ceramic separator layers, delivers >800 Wh/L energy density, charges 10–80% in 95% capacity after 1,000 cycles; the Cobra separator equipment introduced in 2024 supports high-volume production for B-sample QSE-5 cells.
QuantumScape’s collaboration with PowerCo has expanded substantially. In July 2025, the companies announced an updated agreement including up to $131 million in milestone-based payments over two years to fund production scaling and technology transfer. PowerCo has committed nearly $300 million in total investment and plans to produce up to 5 gigawatt-hours of QSE-5 cells annually, serving customers beyond Volkswagen’s ecosystem. At the IAA Mobility conference in Munich in 2025, QuantumScape and PowerCo SE (Volkswagen Group’s battery division) demonstrated the world’s first solid-state lithium-metal battery powering a live vehicle—a Ducati V21L race motorcycle. In September 2025, QuantumScape announced a partnership with Corning Incorporated, a world leader in glass, ceramics, and materials science, to develop new manufacturing capabilities for ceramic separators—a key component in solid-state battery technology.
Volkswagen AG holds 14.9% stake in QuantumScape; Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Co. holds 6.9%; BlackRock Advisors LLC holds 3.2%; Capricorn Investment Group LLC holds 3.2%; Qatar Investment Authority served as a major funder in the merger; and individual investor Bill Gates has invested.
