Photo: VW
Just as we were saying that Volkswagen could do more to exploit the potential offered by EVs and PHEVs, the Wolfsburg-based carmaker turns attention to use solid-state battery packs.
They might be the world's second-largest car manufacturer, but VW's adventure in the EV/PHEV territory was a rather shy one. However, that is bound to change according to recent reports, as the e-Golf won't be able to hold off rivals like the Chevy Bolt or Tesla Model 3.
You see, Tesla's momentum and market breakthrough made other carmakers say to themselves: 'hey, we can do that too!'. However, the concept is easier said that done, but not impossible.
Now, VW (as everybody else out there) wants to gain a technological advantage over Tesla by focusing on solid-state batteries. Last December, the company bought a 5% holding in QuantumScape with the option to raise that stake at some point.
What you should know about QuantumScape is the following: founded by former Stanford University researchers, it is working on solid-state battery packs as an alternative to lithium-ion technology. The latter employ liquid electrolytes which are susceptible to fire, while QuantumScape's tech is fireproof. That would mean the end of in-car fires, and we all know how good news is such a breakthrough.
According to Bloomberg, the company has still yet do decide whether to buy a large share this summer. However, (enthusiastic) officials are saying "progress has been made" and battery-powered vehicles in VW's range will be boosted in the near future.
VW's decision to bet on solid-state batteries could also help Audi in their confrontation with the other two German premium giants: Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
You see, Tesla's momentum and market breakthrough made other carmakers say to themselves: 'hey, we can do that too!'. However, the concept is easier said that done, but not impossible.
Now, VW (as everybody else out there) wants to gain a technological advantage over Tesla by focusing on solid-state batteries. Last December, the company bought a 5% holding in QuantumScape with the option to raise that stake at some point.
What you should know about QuantumScape is the following: founded by former Stanford University researchers, it is working on solid-state battery packs as an alternative to lithium-ion technology. The latter employ liquid electrolytes which are susceptible to fire, while QuantumScape's tech is fireproof. That would mean the end of in-car fires, and we all know how good news is such a breakthrough.
According to Bloomberg, the company has still yet do decide whether to buy a large share this summer. However, (enthusiastic) officials are saying "progress has been made" and battery-powered vehicles in VW's range will be boosted in the near future.
VW's decision to bet on solid-state batteries could also help Audi in their confrontation with the other two German premium giants: Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
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