QuantumScape Secures Top-10 Automaker as Customer, Paving the Way for Next-Generation EVs in the UK

California-based solid-state battery specialist QuantumScape has announced a major development agreement (JDA) with one of the world’s top ten automakers, though the company has not yet disclosed the partner’s identity. The collaboration is aimed at integrating QuantumScape’s solid-state battery technology into the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs), representing a major milestone for the company and the EV industry as a whole.

Solid-State Batteries: A Step Change in EV Performance

QuantumScape’s technology promises significant improvements over traditional lithium-ion batteries. By using solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, the company’s batteries offer higher energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety. The B-sample QSE-5 cell, currently undergoing testing in a Ducati electric motorcycle, boasts a 5 Ah capacity, over 844 Wh/l energy density, and a rapid charge from 10% to 80% in just 12.2 minutes.

For Volkswagen, QuantumScape has been a strategic partner since 2012, with the German automaker holding a 16% stake in the company. Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, PowerCo, signed a licensing agreement with QuantumScape in 2024, aiming for gigawatt-hour-scale production of solid-state technology. This shows that established manufacturers are already betting on solid-state batteries to power their future EV line-ups.

Production Strategy and Industry Impact

QuantumScape recently completed an automated pilot production line in California, which will underpin future series production. The company does not intend to manufacture at large scale itself; instead, it will leverage licensing agreements with partners such as Volkswagen’s PowerCo. This approach allows QuantumScape to focus on R&D and commercialisation while relying on automotive partners for mass production.

Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO of QuantumScape, described the deal as “a fitting capstone” to a successful year of commercial engagement. He added that the company plans to maintain momentum by expanding its ecosystem of partners and licensing agreements.

Implications for the UK EV Market

For UK drivers, these advances could translate into EVs with faster charging times, longer ranges, and enhanced safety, all key factors in accelerating adoption. Importantly, solid-state batteries could make salary sacrifice EV schemes more attractive to employees.

Salary sacrifice leasing allows UK employees to exchange a portion of their pre-tax salary for a company car, often resulting in significant tax savings. With more efficient solid-state batteries, EVs could enter these schemes with lower total cost of ownership, reduced charging times, and greater convenience for commuters. Employers could use these vehicles to boost sustainability credentials, while staff benefit from cutting-edge technology without the upfront cost typically associated with advanced EV batteries.

Looking Forward

QuantumScape’s progress signals that solid-state batteries are moving closer to commercial reality. With major automakers on board and pilot production underway, the technology could soon redefine EV performance standards, not just in the US or Germany, but across the UK.

SalSac’s Perspective: Keeping a Keen Eye on Solid-State Technology

Here at SalSac, we are closely monitoring QuantumScape and the broader developments in solid-state battery technology. We believe this innovation has the potential to redefine electric vehicles, not just through improved performance and faster charging, but also by making EVs more accessible and practical for everyday UK drivers. Understanding how these batteries will integrate with emerging EV fleets allows us to explore smarter, more efficient solutions for salary sacrifice schemes and other workplace EV programmes.