The electric vehicle landscape is undergoing a monumental shift, driven by the promise of solid-state power. QuantumScape Corporation and PowerCo SE, the Volkswagen Group’s battery company, have officially debuted solid-state lithium-metal batteries powering an electric vehicle at IAA Mobility in Munich. This groundbreaking demonstration featured a modified Ducati V21L race motorcycle, showcasing QuantumScape’s QSE-5 battery cells produced using their proprietary Cobra production process. This event marks the first real-world vehicle application of anode-free solid-state batteries, moving the technology out of the lab and onto the road.
A Milestone Demonstration
The live demonstration, held during the Volkswagen Group’s press conference at IAA Mobility on September 8, 2025, served as a powerful testament to the advancements in battery technology. The Ducati V21L, equipped with QuantumScape’s QSE-5 cells, highlighted the potential of solid-state batteries to revolutionize the EV industry. According to a Volkswagen Group press release, the battery system for the Ducati was specifically designed by Audi specialists to accommodate QuantumScape’s solid-state battery cells.
Performance Metrics
The QSE-5 cells showcased during the demonstration boast impressive performance characteristics. These include an energy density of 844 Wh/L and the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in just over 12 minutes. Furthermore, the cells demonstrated a 10C continuous discharge capability. These metrics, as reported by The EV Report, underscore the potential of solid-state batteries to address key limitations of current lithium-ion technology, such as range anxiety and charging times.
Key Players and Their Roles
Several key players have been instrumental in bringing this technology to fruition.
- QuantumScape Corporation: A leader in next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology, responsible for the development and production of the QSE-5 battery cells.
- PowerCo SE: The battery arm of the Volkswagen Group, driving the industrialization and scaling of solid-state battery technology. Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member for Technology at Volkswagen Group and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, played a prominent role in the unveiling.
- Ducati: The Volkswagen Group-owned motorcycle brand provided the V21L electric motorcycle as a platform for demonstrating the solid-state battery technology.
- Audi: Specialists from Audi, another Volkswagen Group brand, designed the battery system specifically for the Ducati motorcycle, to integrate QuantumScape’s solid-state cells.
Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and President of QuantumScape, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, stating, “Today we’ve crossed the threshold from possibility to reality,” as quoted by Investing.com.
Timeline and Collaboration
The unveiling at IAA Mobility represents the culmination of several years of research, development, and strategic collaboration. The partnership between QuantumScape and PowerCo has been crucial in accelerating the progress of solid-state battery technology. Their expanded strategic collaboration and licensing arrangement, updated in July 2025, builds upon an initial agreement from July 2024.
Prior to the demonstration, QuantumScape achieved a significant milestone in June 2025 by integrating its Cobra separator manufacturing process into baseline production. This integration was a critical step in ensuring the quality and scalability of the QSE-5 cells used in the Ducati demonstration, according to Fastmarkets reporting.
The “Why” Behind Solid-State Batteries
The push for solid-state batteries stems from the electric vehicle industry’s need for energy storage solutions that surpass the limitations of current lithium-ion technology. Solid-state batteries offer the potential for:
- Higher Energy Density: Enabling longer driving ranges for electric vehicles.
- Faster Charging Capabilities: Reducing charging times and improving convenience.
- Enhanced Safety: Solid-state electrolytes are less flammable than the liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries.
- Longer Lifespan: Solid-state batteries are expected to have a longer cycle life than lithium-ion batteries.
- Improved Cost-Effectiveness: With advancements in manufacturing processes, solid-state batteries have the potential to become more cost-competitive.
The demonstration at IAA Mobility underscores the commitment of QuantumScape, PowerCo, and the Volkswagen Group to revolutionize energy storage and foster a more sustainable future. The move to solid-state promises to be a true power solution.
Impact and Future Outlook
The live demonstration of solid-state batteries powering the Ducati V21L has generated significant excitement and optimism within the automotive and energy storage industries. The successful integration of anode-free solid-state batteries into a real-world vehicle application marks a major leap forward in battery technology.
The partnership between QuantumScape and PowerCo is viewed as a critical step towards scaling this transformative technology to gigawatt-hour production and enabling its widespread deployment. Following the announcement, QuantumScape’s stock experienced a surge, indicating strong market confidence in the technology’s potential, according to Benzinga.
While the demonstration represents a major milestone, further development and refinement are still required before solid-state battery cells are ready for series production in commercial vehicles. QuantumScape remains a pre-revenue company with a long path to profitability, as noted by Seeking Alpha. However, the progress demonstrated at IAA Mobility provides a clear roadmap for the future of battery technology.
Conclusion
The debut of QuantumScape and PowerCo’s solid-state batteries powering a Ducati electric motorcycle at IAA Mobility signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of energy storage. The successful demonstration highlights the potential of solid-state technology to deliver superior performance, enhanced safety, and improved cost-effectiveness compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. While further development is necessary, this event marks a significant step towards a future where electric vehicles can achieve longer ranges, faster charging times, and greater overall sustainability.
