Emphasis: Volkswagen and Competitors Persist in Tackling the Solid-State Battery Challenge
Volkswagen, in its relentless pursuit of a groundbreaking “solid-state” electric car battery, is broadening its scope amid delays in its collaboration with U.S. startup QuantumScape. The German automotive giant is engaging in discussions with Blue Solutions, a French company renowned for producing solid-state batteries for Daimler electric buses.
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Volkswagen
Sources privy to the talks have revealed that Volkswagen and Blue Solutions are exploring the adaptation of these batteries for use in cars, with the intention of formalizing a joint development agreement in the coming months.
The move signifies Volkswagen’s commitment to exploring alternative avenues in the realm of solid-state battery technology, a domain fraught with technical challenges that have hindered its widespread development. Solid-state batteries are hailed by proponents as the “holy grail” of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, offering the promise of extended driving ranges and shorter charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion packs. Despite the ambitious goals, the development of this technology has been plagued by numerous obstacles.
While Volkswagen affirms that its partnership with QuantumScape is on track, the company remains tight-lipped about discussions with Blue Solutions. The latter, a subsidiary of the French conglomerate Bollore, has confirmed its involvement in crafting batteries for passenger cars. Blue Solutions has inked development deals with BMW and another undisclosed company, while ongoing talks with a third entity are underway.
The global race to unlock the potential of solid-state batteries involves major players such as VW, Toyota, BMW, and others. These automakers are striving to overcome the persistent challenges associated with this technology, despite decades of research and substantial investments running into billions of dollars. Skepticism surrounds the industry’s ability to deliver on promises reliably and at scale.
Blue Solutions faces its own set of challenges, particularly in significantly reducing the current four-hour charging time required for its batteries, suitable for buses parked in depots overnight. The company has disclosed its ambition to develop a passenger car battery with a mere 20-minute charging time and plans to establish a “gigafactory” for this purpose by 2029.
The lack of commercial success in the solid-state battery sector has contributed to a decline in market enthusiasm. Global venture capital deal activity in solid-state battery companies experienced a 72% drop to $146 million last year, as reported by data from PitchBook. Despite the setbacks, the industry is actively navigating the terrain, aiming to overcome hurdles and bring about the transformation promised by solid-state battery technology.
