QuantumScape Corporation, a developer of solid-state lithium-metal battery technology, has announced the shipment of its first 24-layer prototype lithium-metal battery cells to automotive OEMs for testing. The delivery of these cells, known as A0 samples, is a significant step towards the commercialization of this technology.
The prototype cells consist of 24 layers, each containing a solid-state separator, a cathode, and an in-situ-formed lithium-metal anode. These cells have capacities in the multi-amp-hour range.
OEMs will now begin testing these cells at their facilities and provide feedback on their performance. QuantumScape acknowledges that there is still substantial work to be done to bring this technology to market. This includes improving the quality, consistency, and throughput of its production processes, and making further enhancements to the product, such as increasing cathode capacity loading and improving packaging efficiency. The company plans to make these improvements in subsequent generations of A, B, and C samples over the coming years.
The A0 cells were constructed in QuantumScape’s new cell format (see webinar here), a hybrid between prismatic and pouch cells designed to support the uniaxial expansion and contraction of the lithium metal during charge and discharge. QuantumScape plans to host a virtual event in the new year to share more about this innovative new cell format.
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