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Volkswagen’s Solid-State Battery Prototype Surpasses Industry Standards in Tests

Volkswagen Solid State Batteries (carbuzz.com)

Successful Testing Indicates Potential for Long Ranges, Quick Charging, and Minimal Aging

Volkswagen AG recently conducted tests on a new solid-state battery prototype developed by QuantumScape, showcasing remarkable results that exceeded industry targets. The solid-state battery, a critical advancement in electromobility, was tested by VW’s in-house battery unit, PowerCo, with results indicating high performance and longevity.

The battery underwent more than 1,000 charging cycles, equivalent to 310,685 miles, and demonstrated a mere five percent loss of storage capacity after the extensive test. This exceptional result surpasses industry standards, which typically allow a maximum loss of 20% after 700 charging cycles.

PowerCo’s CEO, Frank Blome, expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating, “These are very encouraging results that impressively underpin the potential of the solid-state cell.” The solid-state battery is seen as a transformative technology for electric vehicles, offering the potential for long ranges, rapid charging, and minimal aging.

While QuantumScape, in collaboration with Volkswagen, aims to bring the solid-state battery to market quickly, challenges in mass production and scaling manufacturing processes persist. The focus has shifted to consumer electronics batteries in the interim. Volkswagen’s next-generation Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) is expected to incorporate solid-state batteries, but the confirmed release date remains uncertain.

Other automakers, including Toyota and BMW, are also investing in solid-state battery technology, with varying timelines for mass production. Volkswagen’s recent successful tests position it as a frontrunner in the development of solid-state batteries, emphasizing their potential benefits for electric vehicles.