QuantumScape completes production process for solid-state cells
Although QuantumScape began producing small quantities of its first B-sample cells at the end of October, one crucial piece of the puzzle was still missing before it was able to manufacture on a larger scale: a special system for building ceramic separators. The US company has given its self-developed production process the name ‘Cobra’. According to QuantumScape, the equipment for this has now been completely “developed, delivered, installed and released for initial separator processing.” This means that the B sample cell can be manufactured on a larger scale from 2025. The company does not specify exactly what quantities are meant by this. However, the plant should enable QuantumScape’s solid-state battery technology to be produced “at gigawatt-hour scale,” according to an accompanying press release.
Tim Holme, co-founder and CTO of QuantumScape, emphasises: “Cobra is a true breakthrough in ceramics manufacturing, and it will pave the way for the scale up of our battery technology. I’m delighted with how the team has overcome challenges and kept the process roll-out on track this year.” However, patience is still required before mass production can begin. According to Dr Siva Sivaram, CEO and President of QuantumScape, there is still a lot of work ahead for his team. “There is a lot of work ahead of us, and with our track record of consistent execution and delivery on our milestones, I fully expect the team to continue building momentum toward gigawatt-hour scale up of our technology.”
The B sample cell called QSE-5 is set to become QuantumScape’s first commercial product – with a capacity of 5 Ah, an energy density of over 844 Wh/l and a charging time of 12.2 minutes from 10 % to 80 % SoC (State of Charge). According to the manufacturer, it started small-scale production and delivery of these cells for tests to customers in the automotive sector in October. Volkswagen is also likely to be one of the recipients: Its battery subsidiary PowerCo is aiming to industrialise solid-state batteries and signed a deal with QuantumScape in July 2024. The aim is a licence partnership for the subsequent series production of solid-state cells on a gigawatt-hour scale.
“QSE-5 represents an important milestone for our company and the battery industry as a whole,” QuantumScape wrote in its annual report in October. “These cells are, to the best of our knowledge, the first anode-free solid-state lithium-metal cell design ever produced for automotive applications. This cell is capable of simultaneously delivering exceptional performance with respect to energy density, discharge power, charging speed, low-temperature performance, and safety.” However, the American company does not want to raise expectations too high: QuantumScape has announced extensive product tests “that will take many months.” Additionally, “We have to substantially improve on metrics such as cell reliability, yield and equipment productivity, among others.”
The company describes the QSE-5 as a solid-state battery cell measuring 84.5 mm x 65.6 mm x 4.6 mm. The developers state an energy density of 844 Wh/L or 301 Wh/kg and a discharge rate of up to 10C. The cell is also said to function at low temperatures of up to -30 degrees Celsius. The QSE-5 has already been preceded by two cell prototypes at QuantumScape: the company had already delivered the ‘A0’ cell samples to car manufacturers for testing shortly before Christmas 2022. The so-called ‘Alpha-2’ cells followed in March 2024.
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