QuantumScape ships first QSE-5 B1 solid-state samples via Cobra process, cutting build time 10x. Trials with Volkswagen and Ducati push EV range closer.
2025-10-24T12:16:54+03:00
2025-10-24T12:16:54+03:00
2025-10-24T12:16:54+03:00
American company QuantumScape, backed by Volkswagen, has taken a decisive step toward series production of solid-state batteries. The firm has begun shipping its first QSE-5 B1 samples, produced with the innovative Cobra process, which cuts manufacturing time by nearly tenfold.The new cells deliver a 5 Ah capacity with energy densities of 844 Wh/L and 301 Wh/kg, enough to extend an electric car’s range from roughly 400 to 500 km without increasing battery size. Unlike many rivals, QuantumScape is sharing measured results rather than theoretical projections—an important move for scaling the technology. That kind of transparency is exactly what the EV sector has been waiting for.The batteries are now undergoing trials in partnership projects with Volkswagen PowerCo SE and Ducati, where they are being used in test vehicles. In California, the company is building the Eagle Line pilot facility to refine industrial-scale production.Challenges remain before a market launch: driving down cost, boosting reliability, and aligning with automotive standards. If QuantumScape delivers on these fronts, its solid-state cells could be a genuine breakthrough, combining greater driving range with faster charging and lower weight.The shipment of B1 samples is a strong signal that the battery revolution is moving from theory to practice—and edging closer to series production.
QuantumScape, solid-state batteries, QSE-5, B1 samples, Cobra process, 5 Ah, 844 Wh/L, 301 Wh/kg, Volkswagen PowerCo, Ducati, Eagle Line, EV range, fast charging, pilot production
2025
Michael Powers
news
QuantumScape ships QSE-5 B1 solid-state battery samples for EVs
QuantumScape ships first QSE-5 B1 solid-state samples via Cobra process, cutting build time 10x. Trials with Volkswagen and Ducati push EV range closer.
Michael Powers, Editor
American company QuantumScape, backed by Volkswagen, has taken a decisive step toward series production of solid-state batteries. The firm has begun shipping its first QSE-5 B1 samples, produced with the innovative Cobra process, which cuts manufacturing time by nearly tenfold.
The new cells deliver a 5 Ah capacity with energy densities of 844 Wh/L and 301 Wh/kg, enough to extend an electric car’s range from roughly 400 to 500 km without increasing battery size. Unlike many rivals, QuantumScape is sharing measured results rather than theoretical projections—an important move for scaling the technology. That kind of transparency is exactly what the EV sector has been waiting for.
The batteries are now undergoing trials in partnership projects with Volkswagen PowerCo SE and Ducati, where they are being used in test vehicles. In California, the company is building the Eagle Line pilot facility to refine industrial-scale production.
Challenges remain before a market launch: driving down cost, boosting reliability, and aligning with automotive standards. If QuantumScape delivers on these fronts, its solid-state cells could be a genuine breakthrough, combining greater driving range with faster charging and lower weight.
The shipment of B1 samples is a strong signal that the battery revolution is moving from theory to practice—and edging closer to series production.
