QuantumScape Corporation and PowerCo unveiled the world’s first live demonstration of an electric vehicle powered by solid-state lithium-metal batteries at IAA Mobility in Munich.
The showcase featured a Ducati V21L race motorcycle equipped with QuantumScape’s QSE-5 cells. The cells, produced using QuantumScape’s proprietary Cobra separator process, are the first anode-free solid-state batteries to be integrated into a functioning vehicle. They have been designed to meet five key performance metrics – energy density, fast charging, safety, longevity, and cost-efficiency.
During the Volkswagen Group’s press conference, the Ducati motorcycle took centre stage, riding across the platform as Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, addressed the audience. The solid-state battery system, developed by Audi engineers specifically for QuantumScape’s cells, demonstrated impressive capabilities:
- Energy density: 844Wh/L
- Fast charging: 10% to 80% state of charge in just over 12 minutes
- Discharge rate: Continuous 10C output
Dr Siva Sivaram, CEO and president of QuantumScape, called the event a turning point: “Today we’ve crossed the threshold from possibility to reality. Our partnership with PowerCo and Ducati positions us to scale this transformative technology to gigawatt-hour production.”
The milestone follows QuantumScape’s June 2025 integration of the Cobra separator process into baseline production. The company also expanded its strategic collaboration with PowerCo, securing up to $131 million in milestone-based funding over the next two years. This agreement supports scaled manufacturing and prototype cell deliveries, paving the way for global deployment of QSE-5 technology.
