Volkswagen tests US solid-state battery in Ducati electric bike

Volkswagen Group subsidiary PowerCo SE and US-based battery developer QuantumScape have demonstrated the world’s first live use of solid-state lithium-metal batteries powering a Ducati electric motorcycle. The demonstration took place at the IAA Mobility trade fair in Munich, showcasing a Ducati V21L race bike equipped with QuantumScape’s QSE-5 solid-state cells produced via the proprietary QS Cobra process. This process enables rapid ceramic separator production at gigafactory scale and brings anode-free solid-state batteries out of the lab into real-world vehicle applications. The battery system, engineered by Audi for QuantumScape’s cells, delivers an energy density of 844 Wh/L, supports ultra-fast charging (12 minutes from 10 to 80%), and continuous 10C discharge. This milestone marks a significant step toward commercializing next-generation EV battery technology, addressing industry demands for higher energy density, enhanced safety, faster charging, longer lifespan, and lower costs. PowerCo CEO Frank Blome emphasized that solid-state batteries