Volkswagen has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with ambitions to develop solid-state batteries that promise longer ranges and shorter charging times than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Collaborating with US startup QuantumScape, VW had invested millions in the hope of powering its EV lineup, including the iconic VW Golf, with these advanced batteries. However, the dream of zipping along with long ranges and charging in minutes has yet to materialize.
In a recent development, VW is in talks with France’s Blue Solutions to explore alternative avenues for solid-state battery technology. According to an anonymous source familiar with the matter, VW and Blue Solutions are aiming to finalize a joint development agreement in the coming months. Blue Solutions, owned by French conglomerate Bollore, is currently known for producing solid-state batteries for Daimler electric buses and aims to adapt this technology for passenger cars.
The potential collaboration between VW and Blue Solutions comes at a time when the race for solid-state battery supremacy is heating up. Blue Solutions has stated its goal of developing a solid-state battery for passenger cars with a charging time of 20 minutes and plans to construct a gigafactory for its production by 2029. The company has already secured deals with BMW and another undisclosed company, with talks underway for additional partnerships. Additionally, Blue Solutions recently entered into a collaboration with Foxconn to develop its fourth-generation solid-state batteries for use in two-wheelers.
Blue Solutions’ solid-state batteries utilize a polymer electrolyte and ultra-thin lithium metal anode, technology that has been in existence for decades. The company’s batteries have previously powered France’s all-electric BlueCars, used in the now-defunct Autolib’ auto-sharing service in Paris and other cities. While Blue Solutions’ batteries currently boast a charging time of four hours for electric buses, the company is aiming to drastically reduce this for passenger cars.
Despite the potential partnership with Blue Solutions, VW maintains that its collaboration with QuantumScape remains on track. The automaker had invested $300 million in QuantumScape in 2018, with the goal of integrating its solid-state batteries into VW’s EV lineup by 2025. QuantumScape, which also has agreements with five other automakers, has developed a prototype that, while not purely solid state, demonstrates core functionality.
The pursuit of solid-state battery technology is not without its challenges. While Toyota aims to have its solid-state batteries in production by 2025 (now potentially delayed to 2027 or 2028), other major players in the field, such as Chinese battery leader CATL, LG Energy Solution, Solid Power, and Honda, are also vying for dominance. Surprisingly, Tesla, a leader in the EV market, is not currently developing solid-state batteries.
As VW continues its quest for solid-state EV batteries, its discussions with Blue Solutions signal a diversification of its approach to this critical technology. Whether this partnership will yield the breakthrough VW seeks remains to be seen, but it underscores the intense competition and innovation driving the future of electric mobility.
(Source: Reuters | Electrek)
