QuantumScape $QS thread:

Yesterday, QS held its “Battery Day”, less than 2 weeks after going public. Before the event, QS released impressive performance data for its solid-state, anode-free battery technology, & solidified its position as the solid-state technology leader.

2/ Battery experts have been working for decades to solve solid-state, as solid electrolytes are game-changing for batteries’ energy density and safety. QS, after 10 years of R&D, now claims to be 4-5 years away from commercially viable solid-state batteries.

3/ Each cell, which is the size of a playing card, has an NMC cathode, lithium-metal instead of a traditional anode, and a solid-state separator. The QS technology improves charging rates, cyclability, safety, and cost compared to current lithium-ion batteries used in EVs.

4/ Solid-state separators were previously not possible without compromising cell performance (life cycle, temperature range, charging rate, energy density) or driving up costs. Through its testing results, $QS has demonstrated its unprecedented solution to all of these issues.

5/ Removing the anode from the cell, something those in the solid-state space have been struggling with for years, increases energy density, simplifies manufacturing processes, and reduces manufacturing costs.

6/ QS cells can be charged to 80% SoC in 15 minutes, significantly faster than current lithium-ion batteries, which charge to less than 50% in 15 minutes. QS has said its separator may eventually allow for EVs to be fully charged in less than 5 minutes.

7/ Cyclability of QS cells is about 800 cycles, or ~240,000 miles, with over 80% capacity retention. Not a “million-mile battery”, but meets the commercial target.

8/ Unlike liquid electrolytes, the QS solid-state separator is noncombustible and has high thermal stability. It operates across the entire automotive temperature range, with test results showing operation at -30°C.

9/ QS cells in EVs could accelerate the widespread transition to electrification as they have the potential to mitigate many of the concerns ICE owners raise (range anxiety, fires, etc).

10/ QuantumScape is backed by @BillGates, Tesla co-founder and former CTO JB Straubel, and @VW, to name a few. VW has also agreed to a manufacturing JV, and plans to have QS technology in its EVs by 2024/25.

11/ QuantumScape management seems to be realistic and honest about the timeline for its technology and financials–very refreshing in this space. The stock $QS is up 127% since its IPO two weeks ago.