QuantumScape has entered into an agreement with Volkswagen Group of America to select the location of their joint-venture solid-state battery pilot-line facility by the end of 2021.

The companies are currently contemplating Salzgitter, Germany for the location.

The pilot-line facility, QS-1, will initially be a 1-gigawatt hour (GWh) battery cell commercial production plant for electric vehicle batteries. QuantumScape and Volkswagen intend to expand production capacity by a further 20 GWh at the same location.

“Our goal has been to bring our solid-state lithium-metal batteries to market as soon as possible,” said QuantumScape CEO and co-founder, Jagdeep Singh.

“This joint venture brings together QuantumScape’s core battery technology with Volkswagen’s deep understanding of high-volume, high-quality production and maximizes our ability to bring this technology into industrial production.”

QS-1 will follow QS-0, QuantumScape’s planned pre-pilot line. In its Q1 Shareholder Letter, QuantumScape highlighted progress on that front, securing a facility in San Jose to house the QS-0 line.

To fulfill the strong inbound interest in its technology, the company also recently announced it was doubling the initial QS-0 capacity to more than 200,000 cells annually, enough for hundreds of test vehicles each year.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

In March, QuantumScape announced an additional US$100m in funding from Volkswagen after the automaker confirmed through tests at its labs in Germany that QuantumScape cells met the established technical milestone.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now