QuantumScape
QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) develops solid-state lithium-metal battery technology featuring a proprietary ceramic separator and anode-less cell design, licensing it to automotive OEMs (PowerCo, Honda) and ceramics manufacturers (Murata, Corning) for EV, AI data center, and defense applications.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersSan Jose, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What QuantumScape does
QuantumScape Battery, Inc. (NYSE: QS) is a solid-state lithium-metal battery technology company headquartered in San Jose, California, founded in 2010 and public since its November 2020 SPAC merger with Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. The company's core innovation is an anode-less cell design paired with a proprietary solid ceramic separator, which it asserts enables higher energy density, faster charging, longer cycle life, and improved safety versus conventional lithium-ion cells. Its planned commercial product, the QSE-5 cell, has demonstrated 844 Wh/L volumetric energy density, 10–80% charging in under 15 minutes, and greater than 95% capacity retention after 1,000+ cycles, operating at room temperature with low stack pressure. Supporting the cell are two additional proprietary technologies: the Cobra continuous-flow ceramic separator manufacturing process and the FlexFrame cell format.
In 2024, QuantumScape pivoted from a vertically integrated manufacturing strategy to a technology licensing model, partnering with Volkswagen Group's PowerCo (up to 80 GWh annual production rights and up to $261.7 million in milestone-based funding), Honda R&D (multi-year joint research agreement announced June 2026), Murata Manufacturing (ceramic film production), and Corning Incorporated (ceramic separator scale-up) to bring the technology to market. QuantumScape's own Eagle Line automated pilot production facility in San Jose was inaugurated in February 2026 and serves as a demonstration platform for licensing partners rather than a high-volume factory. The company has begun to expand beyond automotive into AI data center power, defense and aerospace, and robotics applications, positioning the graphite-free architecture as a supply-chain resilience advantage for defense customers.
QuantumScape generated its first customer billings in 2025 ($19.5 million full year) and $11 million in Q1 2026, and held $904.7 million in liquidity as of Q1 2026 with a runway extending into late 2028/2029. The company remains pre-revenue in any traditional sense, with revenue derived from milestone-based licensing payments and ecosystem development rather than unit sales.
QuantumScape firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- QuantumScape
- Legal name
- QuantumScape Battery, Inc.
- Website
- https://quantumscape.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) develops solid-state lithium-metal battery technology featuring a proprietary ceramic separator and anode-less cell design, licensing it to automotive OEMs (PowerCo, Honda) and ceramics manufacturers (Murata, Corning) for EV, AI data center, and defense applications.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
QuantumScape industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Solid-State Lithium-Metal Battery Technology
- NAICS
- Battery Manufacturing (33591), Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413)
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solid-State Battery Materials & Cell Manufacturing (EUAFABAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Battery Cells (Li-ion, LFP, Sodium-ion, Lead-acid, NiMH) (IMAGAHAA), Battery Pack Manufacturing & Module Assembly (EUAFABAI)
Keywords
Where QuantumScape is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Jose
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
QuantumScape business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing: QuantumScape licenses its solid-state battery technology, manufacturing processes, and IP to automotive OEMs. The licensing model generates milestone-based payments and ongoing royalties from manufacturing partners like PowerCo and Honda.
- Customer Billings/Ecosystem Revenue: Initial customer billings from ecosystem partners and early licensing revenue. Q1 2026 recorded $11 million in customer billings; full-year 2025 customer billings totaled $19.5 million. This represents first-ever revenue for the company.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
QuantumScape product offering
Product offeringCore offering
QuantumScape develops and licenses solid-state lithium-metal battery technology featuring a proprietary ceramic separator and anode-less cell architecture. Its first planned commercial product, the QSE-5 battery cell, delivers 844 Wh/L volumetric energy density with 10–80% charging in under 15 minutes. The company pivoted to a licensing model, monetizing its IP and Cobra manufacturing process through partners such as Volkswagen/PowerCo, Honda, Murata, and Corning rather than manufacturing batteries at scale directly.
Product overview
QuantumScape offers a solid-state lithium-metal battery technology platform with its flagship QSE-5 commercial cell product at the core. The platform is built on proprietary innovations including the anode-less architecture, ceramic separator technology, and Cobra manufacturing process. The company licenses its technology to automotive OEMs rather than manufacturing batteries directly, with the Eagle Line pilot facility serving as a demonstration platform for partners. Key products include the QSE-5 cell, FlexFrame cell format, and the Cobra separator production process. Applications span electric vehicles, AI data centers, defense, robotics, and aerospace.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- QSE-5: QuantumScape's first planned commercial product: a solid-state lithium-metal battery cell designed for automotive applications with an energy density of 844 Wh/L and sub-15-minute fast charging capability.
- Eagle Line
- Cobra
- FlexFrame
Products and services
- QSE-5 Solid-State Lithium-Metal Battery Cell QuantumScape's first planned commercial product: a solid-state lithium-metal battery cell with approximately 5 amp-hour capacity targeting automotive applications. Delivers 844 Wh/L volumetric energy density, 301 Wh/kg gravimetric energy density, and charges from 10% to 80% in under 15 minutes. Licensed to automotive OEMs (including PowerCo) for integration into next-generation EV powertrains.
- FlexFrame Cell Format Proprietary battery cell format that is a hybrid of conventional prismatic and pouch designs. Accommodates the uniaxial expansion and contraction of lithium-metal anodes during charge and discharge cycles while enabling efficient thermal management and high packaging density. Designed to integrate with QS's solid-state cell technology for automotive pack applications.
- Solid-State Lithium-Metal Battery Technology Platform Next-generation battery technology platform featuring an anode-less cell design and proprietary solid ceramic separator. Enables higher energy density, faster charging, extended cycle life, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Licensed to automotive OEMs, manufacturing partners, and other commercial counterparties for integration into EVs, AI data centers, defense, and other applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- 844 Wh/L volumetric energy density with 301 Wh/kg gravimetric energy density
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use QuantumScape
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
QuantumScape technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
QuantumScape partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Honda R&D Co., Ltd.coreMulti-year joint research agreement following Honda's extensive technical evaluation and benchmarking of QS's solid-state battery platform. Honda R&D COO Atsushi Ogawa stated QS technology demonstrated 'compelling and unique advantages.' The partnership covers solid-state battery development and manufacturing processes for automotive, motorcycles, power equipment, and potentially aircraft applications.
- Corning IncorporatedcoreAgreement to jointly develop ceramic separator manufacturing capabilities for QS solid-state batteries. Both companies work toward high-volume production goals. Corning contributes world-class capabilities in ceramics manufacturing with a 170-year track record of life-changing inventions in materials science.
- DucatiminorDucati V21L electric race bike powered by QuantumScape batteries was demonstrated at IAA Mobility in Munich. Full field testing of the V21L is planned for 2026. The partnership showcases QS technology in an extremely demanding application requiring high energy density, high power, and high charge rates for regenerative braking.
- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.coreFirst phase of framework agreement to explore collaboration for high-volume manufacturing of ceramic film for QS's solid-state battery technology. Murata brings deep expertise in high-precision ceramics manufacturing, combining QS's Cobra separator production process with Murata's global manufacturing strength.
- Volkswagen Group / PowerCoflagshipVolkswagen's battery subsidiary PowerCo is QuantumScape's anchor licensing partner. The expanded agreement includes up to $131 million in milestone-based development payments and rights to produce up to 80 GWh annually of QS solid-state batteries. PowerCo has confirmed QuantumScape's cell technology retained >95% capacity after 1,000+ charging cycles and is advancing toward field testing in 2026.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
QuantumScape competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Solid Power: Solid Power is the closest direct peer to QuantumScape: a publicly traded solid-state battery developer (NASDAQ: SLDP) pursuing sulfide-based chemistry with BMW and SK On as anchor partners, also operating under a partnership/licensing model targeting EV OEMs.
- Factorial Energy: Factorial is a private solid-state battery developer (factorial electrolyte system) with partnerships including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai/Kia. Competes head-to-head with QS for OEM solid-state licensing deals and uses a similar partnership-driven commercialization model.
- ProLogium Technology: ProLogium is a Taiwan-based solid-state battery manufacturer with ceramic-rich separator technology comparable to QS's Cobra approach and OEM partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and others. It is building a gigafactory in France and represents a direct competitor in solid-state cell licensing.
Broad incumbents
- Samsung SDI: Samsung SDI is a major incumbent lithium-ion battery manufacturer actively developing solid-state cells for automotive OEMs, including a public partnership with Stellantis. As a broad incumbent with deep OEM relationships and scaled manufacturing, it competes with QS for next-generation battery licensing and supply.
- Toyota Motor Corporation: Toyota is the most prominent incumbent pursuing solid-state batteries in-house, with stated commercialization targets for its own EVs. As both a potential customer and a vertically integrated competitor, Toyota represents the largest single competitive threat to QS's licensing model.
- LG Energy Solution: LG Energy Solution is one of the top three global battery manufacturers and an incumbent supplier to GM, Hyundai, and others. It is developing solid-state and lithium-metal chemistries and competes with QS for OEM battery partnerships and EV battery supply.
- CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology): CATL is the world's largest battery manufacturer and is publicly working on solid-state and condensed-matter battery chemistries. Its scale, OEM relationships, and vertical integration make it the dominant incumbent competitor in next-generation battery technology.
Emerging players
- Sila Nanotechnologies: Sila Nanotechnologies develops silicon-anode battery technology rather than solid-state, but competes with QS for premium EV battery partnerships (Mercedes, Daimler). It represents an adjacent emerging player pursuing next-generation EV chemistries outside the solid-state category.
- Microvast Holdings: Microvast is a publicly traded developer of lithium-ion battery technologies targeting commercial vehicle and specialty applications, including development work on solid-state. It overlaps with QS in the broader advanced battery development space though focused on different chemistries and end markets.
Others
- Murata Manufacturing: Murata is both a QS manufacturing partner (Cobra ceramic film) and an adjacent ecosystem participant. While it does not directly compete with QS in EV cells, it is a major global ceramics and electronic components manufacturer whose involvement is strategically enabling for QS's go-to-market model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
QuantumScape social profiles
Digital presenceQuantumScape financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
QuantumScape leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
QuantumScape funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds10 records
Investors10 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
QuantumScape M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about QuantumScape
What does QuantumScape do?
QuantumScape develops and licenses solid-state lithium-metal battery technology featuring a proprietary ceramic separator and anode-less cell architecture. Its first planned commercial product, the QSE-5 battery cell, delivers 844 Wh/L volumetric energy density with 10–80% charging in under 15 minutes. The company pivoted to a licensing model, monetizing its IP and Cobra manufacturing process through partners such as Volkswagen/PowerCo, Honda, Murata, and Corning rather than manufacturing batteries at scale directly.
Is QuantumScape a public or private company?
QuantumScape is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was QuantumScape founded?
QuantumScape was founded in 2010. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is QuantumScape based?
QuantumScape is headquartered in San Jose, United States, in the North America region.
How does QuantumScape make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing is the primary driver. The others are customer Billings/Ecosystem Revenue.
Who are QuantumScape's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Solid Power, Factorial Energy and ProLogium Technology. Broad incumbents are Samsung SDI, Toyota Motor Corporation, LG Energy Solution and CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology). Emerging players are Sila Nanotechnologies and Microvast Holdings. Murata Manufacturing is listed as an others.
Does QuantumScape have an API?
No public API is recorded for QuantumScape.
What industry is QuantumScape in?
QuantumScape's product category is Solid-State Lithium-Metal Battery Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAFABAH, Solid-State Battery Materials & Cell Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAGAHAA, Battery Cells (Li-ion, LFP, Sodium-ion, Lead-acid, NiMH). Its NAICS code is 33591 and its SIC code is 3600.