VW Promises No 'Noticeable Loss Of Range' With Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries, hailed as the future of electric vehicles, have taken a significant leap forward in development in recent years. This technology is anticipated to revolutionize battery efficiency, offering extended ranges, reduced charging times, and enhanced safety features. QuantumScape, a US company working on next-generation batteries for EVs, achieved a noteworthy accomplishment in the advancement of that technology. 

The latest achievement involves the firm’s solid-state cell surpassing the requirements in the A-sample test, completing over 1,000 charging cycles with great success. The rigorous testing, conducted over several months by Volkswagen-owned PowerCo's in its battery laboratories in Salzgitter, demonstrated the solid-state cell's ability to maintain a staggering 95 percent capacity after the demanding cycles. For electric vehicles with a range of approximately 300 miles, this equates to a total mileage of 300,000 miles and more.

In the standardized test procedures for new battery cells, robustness is a critical criterion, with industry standards setting targets of 700 charging cycles and a maximum capacity loss of 20 percent. QuantumScape's solid-state cell not only exceeded these specifications but also demonstrated proficiency in other essential criteria such as fast-charging capability, safety, and self-discharge.

The next phase in the development process involves refining and scaling the manufacturing processes. Volkswagen's unified cell concept, developed by PowerCo, is deemed suitable for integrating solid-state cell technology.

"These are very encouraging results that impressively underpin the potential of the solid-state cell. The final result of this development could be a battery cell that enables long ranges, can be charged super-quickly, and practically does not age. We are convinced of the solid-state cell and are continuing to work at full speed with our partner QuantumScape towards series production," PowerCo CEO Frank Blome commented.