By 2023, Volkswagen AG wants to start trial production of solid-state batteries, hoping to make electric cars economical.
Partnering with QuantumScape Corp., the German automaker aims to produce solid electrolyte batteries – an alternative to liquid ones - to help cars store more energy and give more power to electric vehicles. The two firms' partnership might begin mass production of the batteries by 2024 or 2025.
Battery cells at present are largely sourced from Asian manufacturers, but Volkswagen’s CEO Herbert Diess has indicated that the company is seeking to broaden its battery-producing scope and/or sourcing options for the long-term.
Last year, Volkswagen expressed plans to invest more than 34 billion euros ($40 billion) over the subsequent five years to develop technology for next generation electric robo-taxis.