The German automotive giant is in talks with France’s Blue Solutions, renowned for producing solid-state batteries for Daimler electric buses. This potential collaboration aims to adapt the technology for mainstream electric cars, marking a strategic move in the fiercely competitive EV landscape.
Key Points:
Volkswagen’s discussions with Blue Solutions underscore the intricate challenges hindering the widespread adoption of solid-state battery technology. These batteries are hailed as the “holy grail” of EV power, promising extended driving ranges and shorter charging times than traditional lithium-ion packs.
VW and Blue Solutions are reportedly working towards a joint development agreement in the coming months. This signals a proactive effort to overcome technical hurdles, positioning the companies at the forefront of solid-state battery innovation.
Despite Volkswagen’s ongoing partnership with QuantumScape, the commercial production of solid-state batteries remains elusive. Technical complexities and challenges in achieving pure solid-state configurations have prompted explorations with alternative partners like Blue Solutions.
The solid-state battery sector faces scepticism, with global venture capital deal activity decreasing by 72% last year. Investor interest has waned, questioning the viability of solid-state technology and its potential risks.
Blue Solutions, a unit of French conglomerate Bollore, aims to reduce the charging time of its current batteries from four hours to an ambitious 20 minutes for passenger cars. The company is working on a “gigafactory” with a target completion date of 2029.
Toyota, a key player in pursuing solid-state batteries, has adjusted its production timeline to 2027 or 2028. Despite delays, the company claims to have achieved a breakthrough with a projected driving range of 750 miles and a 10-minute charging time.
Other major players in the solid-state battery race include CATL, LG Energy Solution, Solid Power, ProLogium, Honda, and Nissan. Notably, Tesla remains an outlier, yet to disclose specific plans for solid-state battery development.
As Volkswagen expands its collaboration horizons, the EV industry closely watches the race to unlock the full potential of solid-state battery technology. The outcome could redefine the future of electric vehicles and shape the next era of sustainable transportation.
