Ducati V21L showcases solid-state battery breakthrough

QuantumScape Corporation, an American company that develops solid-state rechargeable lithium batteries, along with PowerCo SE, the battery manufacturing division of the Volkswagen Group, have showcased the first ever working prototype of a solid state battery on an electric vehicle.The platform chosen for this landmark debut was the Ducati V21L MotoE race bike.

1. V21L equipped with 980 QSE-5 solid-state cells from QuantumScape
2. Battery offers 10-80 percent charging in 12 minutes

Revolutionary battery technology debuts

Solid-state cells promise game-changing performance

The new QSE-5 cells were showcased during the Volkswagen Group’s press conference at IAA Mobility in Munich. The new battery pack can use up to 980 QSE-5 cells from QuantumScape, and features lithium metal anodes and ceramic separators instead of the graphite anodes and liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. 

The showcased technology delivers impressive specifications, including 844 Wh/L energy density, and fast charging that takes the battery pack from 10 percent to 80 percent in just over 12 minutes. The use of a solid electrolyte also means that there is a reduced risk of leakage and combustion, which should also make them safer. 

As mentioned, this new technology was showcased on the Ducati V21L – the bike used in the MotoE World Championship since 2023. While the championship will go on hiatus at the end of the 2025 season, Ducati has confirmed that it will continue to develop its expertise in alternative technologies to internal combustion. The Italian manufacturer has been using the MotoE platform as a development tool for potential future electric road motorcycles.

The V21L prototype has undergone significant development since its introduction. In three years of development, the evolution of the cells has allowed for a weight saving of 8.2 kg in the battery pack of the V21L prototype.

While the V21L remains a research-focused prototype, the successful demonstration of a solid-state battery in a functioning motorcycle is a pivotal milestone. Widespread adoption will likely take time, but the technology shows clear promise in addressing some of the biggest challenges with today’s battery packs.