QuantumScape's Solid-State Lithium-Metal Battery Promises 80% Range Increase for EVs by 2026
QuantumScape, the Silicon Valley battery technology company, has achieved a major breakthrough with its commercially viable solid-state lithium-metal battery. This revolutionary technology delivers unprecedented performance metrics while addressing fundamental safety and cost challenges. The battery features a proprietary ceramic separator that replaces traditional liquid electrolytes, enabling the use of pure lithium-metal anodes. This innovation achieves energy density of 400-500 Wh/kg (compared to 250-300 Wh/kg for premium lithium-ion batteries), can charge from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes, and operates across a wide temperature range from -30°C to 45°C. The solid-state design eliminates flammable liquid electrolytes, significantly improving safety while potentially reducing manufacturing costs at scale. The company has already delivered its first 24-layer prototype battery cells to automotive OEMs for testing, marking a critical milestone toward commercialization.