Volkswagen Group has announced the success of its startup, which is engaged in the production of batteries with solid-state cells for electric vehicles. According to the automaker, the solid-state prototype, jointly developed with American partner QuantumScape, exceeded expectations during recent tests.
PowerCo battery tests over several months showed only 5% capacity loss after more than 1,000 charge cycles, equivalent to 500,000 km. VW representatives explained that at this stage of development, industry targets were set at 700 charge cycles and a maximum capacity loss of 20%.
The head of PowerCo, Frank Blom, expressed optimism about the results, calling them "very encouraging". He also noted that this development could lead to the creation of batteries that would provide a long range, fast charging and virtually no aging.
Solid-state batteries, which replace the traditional liquid electrolyte and separator made of ceramics, glass or polymers, could prove to be a key innovation in ensuring the safety, compactness and fast performance of batteries for electric vehicles.
