QuantumScape secures top 10 automaker as customer
The collaboration is formalised through a joint development agreement (JDA), a partnership designed to integrate QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries into the automaker’s future electric vehicles. In its annual review, QuantumScape highlights this as one of the most significant milestones of 2025. The announcement also notes another JDA signed this year with a different major automaker, which remains unnamed.
For now, Volkswagen remains the only publicly known automaker planning to use solid-state batteries from the California-based company in San Jose. This is no coincidence. VW has been an investor in QuantumScape since 2012 and, according to the latest annual report, holds a 16% stake in the company.
QuantumScape’s technology is central to the German carmaker’s battery strategy. Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary PowerCo, which recently inaugurated its cell production in Salzgitter, signed a deal with QuantumScape in July 2024. The goal is a licensing partnership ‘to achieve gigawatt-hour-scale production of solid-state technology.’ Additionally, initial tests with the B-sample cell QSE-5, featuring 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), are already underway in a Ducati electric motorcycle, a VW Group brand.
Reflecting on QuantumScape’s annual review, Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and President of the company, stated: “22025 has been a banner year for QS, and this JDA with a Top-10 automotive OEM customer is a fitting capstone for our successful commercial engagement efforts this year. We intend to carry this momentum forward as we engage with customers and expand our stable of QS ecosystem partners.”
Just a few days ago, QuantumScape announced the completion of an automated pilot production line for its solid-state battery cells, which will serve as the foundation for future series production. However, QuantumScape does not plan to pursue large-scale manufacturing itself. Instead, it aims to realise gigawatt-hour-scale projects through licensing agreements with partners such as VW subsidiary PowerCo. The pilot line is seen as a critical foundation for these future large-scale projects.
Like other solid-state battery developers, QuantumScape promises batteries that offer higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LFP, NMC). Unlike lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes between the cathode and anode instead of liquid electrolytes.
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