QuantumScape Corporation and PowerCo SE have demonstrated the world’s first solid-state lithium-metal batteries powering a live electric vehicle at IAA Mobility in Munich this week. The breakthrough technology was showcased in a modified Ducati V21L race motorcycle that rode across the main stage during Volkswagen Group’s press conference.
The demonstration represents a significant milestone in battery technology development, marking the transition from laboratory research to real-world vehicle applications. QuantumScape’s QSE-5 battery cells, manufactured using the company’s Cobra production process, powered the specially modified Ducati motorcycle equipped with a battery system designed by Audi specialists.
The solid-state battery technology addresses five critical performance metrics: energy density, charging speed, safety, lifespan and cost-effectiveness. QuantumScape’s technology demonstrates 844 Wh/L energy density, charging capabilities from 10% to 80% state of charge in just over 12 minutes, and 10C continuous discharge performance.
“Today we’ve crossed the threshold from possibility to reality,” said Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and president of QuantumScape. “We believe that our partnership with PowerCo, together with Ducati as our demonstration launch partner, positions us to scale our transformative technology to gigawatt-hour production.”
Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo, emphasized the significance of the development for high-performance vehicles. “The EV revolution is the biggest transformation the automotive industry has ever seen,” Blome said. “Solid-state batteries will redefine what’s possible for high-performance, premium vehicles, and today’s historic demonstration is just the beginning.”
The demonstration follows recent progress by QuantumScape, including the integration of its Cobra separator manufacturing process into baseline production in June 2025. The San Jose-based company has also expanded its strategic collaboration with PowerCo, Volkswagen Group’s battery subsidiary, with an arrangement that includes up to $131 million in milestone-based payments over two years.
The partnership aims to scale manufacturing capabilities and enable higher-volume prototype cell deliveries while executing the technology transfer necessary to bring QSE-5 batteries to global markets. PowerCo plans to combine QuantumScape’s battery technology with its manufacturing expertise to accelerate commercial deployment.
The Ducati motorcycle demonstration serves as a proving ground for the solid-state technology, testing its capabilities under demanding performance conditions. QuantumScape’s anode-free solid-state batteries represent a departure from conventional lithium-ion battery designs, potentially offering improved safety characteristics and energy storage capabilities.
