In an exciting development for the future of electric vehicles (EVs), several top automakers are setting their sights on solid state EV batteries. This groundbreaking technology is expected to offer increased energy density, faster charging times, and significantly longer driving ranges. Among the automakers who have invested in this promising sector include Volkswagen, Toyota, and Honda, notwithstanding the lack of products featuring the technology thus far.

One company that has caught the attention of these automotive giants is QuantumScape, a U.S. startup specializing in solid state battery technology. With partnerships with Volkswagen and five other automakers, QuantumScape’s anode-less cell design is poised to increase EV range from 350 miles to a staggering 400 or 500 miles, representing a potential increase of 14 to 43 percent.

In 2022, QuantumScape provided Volkswagen with initial prototypes of its solid state batteries. The automaker’s testing indicated that these batteries could be used in an EV for up to 500,000 kilometers without degradation. Furthermore, Volkswagen’s tests confirmed QuantumScape’s performance data showing that the battery could reach 80 percent charge within 15 minutes at room temperature.

Toyota, another major player in the EV landscape, announced last June that it had achieved a breakthrough in solid state battery technology. The automaker believes this advancement could enable it to produce EVs with an impressive range of over 700 miles and charging times as short as 10 minutes.

Despite this, Toyota revealed in November that it anticipates producing more hydrogen-powered vehicles than solid-state EVs by 2030, emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to developing hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Honda, meanwhile, plans to establish a test production line for solid state batteries as early as 2024. The automaker also expects to launch EVs equipped with these batteries later in the decade. To that end, Honda has made an investment in SES AI, a company with which it aims to collaboratively develop solid state EV batteries.

Nissan is also joining the race, with plans to introduce an EV featuring pure solid state batteries. The automaker intends to develop this technology in-house, with hopes of incorporating it into its EVs by 2028.

As the world moves towards cleaner and more efficient transportation, the development and adoption of solid state EV batteries could play a pivotal role. With their potential for enhanced energy density and faster charging times, these batteries could revolutionize the EV industry, making electric vehicles an even more attractive option for consumers worldwide.

Image Source: Teslarati