QuantumScape Corporation

Silicon Valley solid-state battery startup backed by Volkswagen with over $300 million invested; has repeatedly delayed commercialization targets. - Opened Eagle Line pilot facility in February 2026; beginning higher-volume QSE-5 cell production

For three decades, solid-state batteries have been the promised revolution that never arrived—a technology that would double EV range, enable five-minute charging, and eliminate fire risks. Toyota has been working on it since 1990. QuantumScape raised billions. Fisker claimed breakthroughs then abandoned the effort. Now a 20-person Finnish startup called Donut Lab says it has done what none of them could: put production solid-state batteries on the road. But on January 20, 2026, Yang Hongxin, CEO of Chinese battery giant Svolt Energy, called Donut Lab's claims "a scam," stating that "all the parameters are contradictory" and "any technician with basic knowledge would recognize it." With four weeks remaining until the Q1 2026 delivery deadline expires on March 31, verification is imminent.

Updated Feb 4

QuantumScape is the pure-play bet that solid-state lithium-metal batteries can finally scale for cars. - Developing and piloting solid-state lithium-metal cells for EVs

QuantumScape has finally bolted the last major machines into its Eagle Line pilot factory in San Jose, a highly automated line meant to turn its QSE-5 solid-state cells from boutique prototypes into something resembling a production product. The company hit this equipment-installation goal for 2025 and plans a February 2026 inauguration, inviting automakers and officials to walk the line and judge whether the solid-state dream is ready for industrial reality.

Updated Dec 11, 2025