QuantumScape produces solid‑state lithium‑metal batteries that replace the traditional graphite/silicon anode with an anodeless architecture and a patented ceramic electrolyte separator. This design delivers up to ten‑fold higher energy density, sub‑15‑minute fast charging, and a non‑flammable, longer‑lasting cell, while simplifying manufacturing and lowering material costs for automotive manufacturers.
Funding
$300M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current lithium‑ion batteries used in electric vehicles are limited by modest energy density, slow charging, safety concerns, and high material costs, which restrict range, increase charging time, and raise the price of zero‑emission transportation.
Solution
QuantumScape has developed a solid‑state lithium‑metal battery that replaces the conventional graphite/silicon anode and liquid polymer separator with an anodeless architecture and a patented solid ceramic electrolyte separator. This design enables nearly ten‑fold higher energy density, sub‑15‑minute fast charging (10‑80 % state‑of‑charge), and a non‑flammable, non‑combustible cell structure. By eliminating the anode host material, the cell reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while extending cycle life through reduced capacity fade. The technology is compatible with multiple cathode chemistries, allowing integration into existing automotive platforms and future EV models.
Target Audience
Primary customers are automotive manufacturers and tier‑1 EV suppliers seeking high‑energy, fast‑charging, and safer battery solutions for electric vehicles.
Features
- Anodeless cell architecture that forms a lithium‑metal anode in situ on first charge, removing the need for graphite/silicon anode material.
- Patented solid ceramic electrolyte separator that is non‑flammable, eliminating the organic separator used in conventional cells.
- Lithium‑metal anode provides up to 10× higher gravimetric and volumetric energy density compared to current lithium‑ion designs.
- Fast‑charge capability of less than 15 minutes for 10‑80 % charge by removing lithium diffusion bottlenecks in the anode.
- Extended cycle life through elimination of capacity loss at the anode interface and reduced side‑reaction with solid electrolyte.
- Simplified manufacturing and lower material cost by omitting anode host material and associated processing steps.
- Compatibility with various cathode chemistries (e.g., NMC, LFP) to optimize performance and cost across vehicle platforms.