Volkswagen Group’s battery startup, PowerCo SE, recently tested a solid-state battery from QuantumScape and the results were incredibly promising. During the test, the battery underwent more than 1,000 charging cycles and demonstrated robust performance.
In the automotive industry, companies aim for no more than a 20 percent capacity loss after 700 charging cycles. However, QuantumScape’s solid-state cell exceeded expectations, losing only five percent of total capacity after the 1,000-cycle test conducted at PowerCo’s battery labs in Salzgitter. This level of performance is equivalent to more than half a million kilometers (around 310,600 miles) of drive time.
According to Volkswagen, the solid-state battery also met the criteria for safety, self-discharge, and fast-charging. PowerCo CEO Frank Blome expressed optimism about the results, highlighting the potential of solid-state cells to deliver batteries with great range, quick charging capabilities, and slow aging.
The development of advanced battery technology has become a priority for automakers seeking to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. While existing battery solutions have made significant progress, there is a demand for more advanced technology with improved specifications.
Long-lasting EV batteries could boost new vehicle sales, and there may also be a significant market for retrofitting older electric cars with more efficient solid-state batteries. As some of the earliest EVs begin to age, the possibility of upgrading them with new solid-state battery packs could prolong their reliability for many more years.
The next phase in the journey towards production involves scaling and perfecting the manufacturing process, as well as proving the technology in real-world conditions. With each step, the advancement of solid-state batteries brings the electric vehicle industry closer to a future powered by more efficient and sustainable energy sources.
