Gamechanger: Quantumscape To Deliver Working Prototype By 2022
Solid-state is a massive buzzword in the automotive world. Everywhere you turn, there are promises of solid-state technology "coming," but no one has a reliable and good working prototype until now.
Quantumscape has now hit a milestone that makes solid-state far closer to the reality we all are waiting for, like 2022 reality. So what is causing this massive shift in progression? You are about to find out.
Solid-State Layers Of Happiness
Quantumscape now has 10 layer cells, and that is a huge deal. Single cells show that the technology works, but now we need something that performs. These are those cells.
With this new advancement, the company feels it will hit its commercialization timeframe in 2024 and 2025, a short 3 1/2 years away. But there is something even bolder about all this that really excites me.
The founder Jagdeep Singh claims Volkswagen (a 26% stakeholder) will have working prototypes in 2022. That is a short few months away from now.
Why Does Solid-State Have So Much Hype
If you have ever driven an EV, you will know the worst thing is charging it. Solid-state battery technology would allow EV owners to gain 80% charge within 15 minutes at a charging station.
On a trip to Napa Valley, I sat at a supercharger in a Model 3 for 25 minutes and gained only 65%. EV cars with solid-state technology will completely change the way people look at and drive their vehicles.
The Catch
The catch here is that while Quantumscape is a fantastic company, other larger entities are working on the same technology. They could also beat QS to market, which is one of the reasons Singh is so persistent about making Solid-state a reality and soon.
Conclusion
I am a Toyota fanboy through and through, but if I love one thing, it is an underdog. I think that Quantumscape shows immense promise. I also believe that their leadership is top-notch. They are focused on a winning plan to bring solid-state into a commercially viable place.
I think that if they can pull it off, Toyota will be jumping at the bit to compete and keep the title of the world's largest vehicle manufacturer. That is my opinion, but I feel it is weighted appropriately.
That is all for now. I hope you all watch what QS is doing and maybe consider investing in them. I know I will. Remember, Today's Adventure is Tomorrow's Story.
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Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in depth Prius coverage from our reporter.