QuantumScape reported a GAAP net loss of $98.2 million in Q2 2026, with an adjusted EBITDA loss of $64.2 million. The solid-state battery developer announced a multi-year partnership with Honda to advance lithium metal battery technology and updated its collaboration with Volkswagen PowerCo. The company recorded customer billings of $10.8 million in Q2, bringing total billings through the quarter to $21.8 million. QuantumScape ended the quarter with $859 million in liquidity. For full year 2026, the company expects an adjusted EBITDA loss between $250 million and $275 million. Capital expenditure guidance was lowered to between $27 million and $37 million. QuantumScape is establishing three business verticals: QSEV for electric vehicles, QSDC for AI data centres, and QSAS for advanced solutions.

Are solid-state batteries the future of EVs? Automobile manufacturers have seen the future, and it is electric. Yes, it's electric in the sense of "exciting," but it's also quite literally electric, as electric vehicles (EVs) are indisputably the future of automobiles here in the United States and around the world. That might not seem like a foregone conclusion in today's on-again, off-again world of competing political interests that seem to constantly pit alternative energy sources against traditional forms of energy, like oil and gas. However, if you look at the prevalence of EVs around the world, especially China and Europe, and combine that with the growing number of domestic EVs and hybrids, it's clear that, current political climate notwithstanding, automobile manufacturers foresee a bright future ahead for EVs. Moreover, there are hundreds of companies researching and developing the next generation of components and products that will make future EVs even better than the ones currently on American roadways. For example, in a recent Inside EVs article, author Tim Levin notes that "Honda is teaming up with QuantumScape, a battery startup, to develop solid-state batteries for EVs and other applications." This new collaboration not only underscores a major automobile manufacturer's commitment to EVs, but it also highlights a new technology that promises to take EVs to the next level. What technology is that? It's the next generation of EV batteries. The partnership between Honda and QuantumScape focuses "on solid-state battery development and associated manufacturing processes." According to Levin, "[s]olid-state batteries, which trade the conventional liquid electrolyte for a solid one, are often referred to as the 'holy grail' of battery technology." Why are automobile manufacturers so excited about solid-state batteries? Proponents claim that these new batteries will "be safer, faster-charging, and more energy-dense than the lithium-ion batteries that EVs use today." For example, Honda believes "its solid-state batteries would be 50% smaller, 35% lighter, and 25% cheaper to manufacture than current cells." The company also claims that, by 2040, "solid-state EVs could travel 776 miles between pit stops." That's an impressive range that even the staunchest EV critic could get behind. Automobile manufacturers have been interested in this technology for some time. Levin notes that "Toyota touted investments in the technology as far back as 2010" and that "General Motors is testing solid-state cells in its battery lab" currently. Levin points out that "[t]iny solid-state cells have been present in medical devices for decades." However, "[s]caling up the batteries to sizes and capacities that work in cars, then mass-producing them, has been the latest challenge." QuantumScape believes it's up to the challenge, though, and Honda agrees. In fact, "[e]arlier this year, QuantumScape hit a milestone when it kicked off pilot production of its lithium-metal cells on a fully automated manufacturing line in San Jose." The company doesn't want to simply be a traditional supplier, though. According to Levin, QuantumScape is "aiming for automakers to license its IP and manufacturing process and make cells themselves. QuantumScape is also working with the Volkswagen Group, which it counts as an investor." As EVs continue to gain market share and automobile manufacturers take on the challenge of producing their own solid-state batteries, there will be a growing need for workers with advanced electrical skills able to step into a facility and hit the ground running without burdensome additional training. So how do companies and schools train the next generation of professionals with the electrical skills they need to succeed? A thorough review of training systems is a great place to start. Do employees and students have access to hands-on training with actual components they'll encounter on the job? If not, partnering with established companies to provide industrial-quality training systems that will stand the test of time will help ensure a competent workforce. For example, Amatrol offers the most complete range of electrical training systems to teach the entire array of critical skills that technicians and production personnel need to thrive in the modern workplace. Amatrol also offers cutting-edge training systems designed specifically to teach the skills necessary for modern EV and EV battery facilities. For more information, visit Amatrol online to learn more about its EV Manufacturing Program. You can also download Amatrol's EV Manufacturing Program brochure. Consult with an expert at Amatrol today to learn how you can take the first step toward teaching the electrical skills that will set learners up for success in the modern workplace. About Duane Bolin Duane Bolin is a former curriculum developer and education specialist. He is currently a Marketing Content Developer in the technical training solutions market.

Solid-State battery progress in 2026: what it means for battery pack assembly. Solid-state battery progress in 2026 is becoming more practical and more manufacturing-focused. The industry is no longer talking only about laboratory breakthroughs. Recent announcements point to pilot production lines, automotive development programs, vehicle road testing, electrolyte scale-up, and new module/pack design requirements. For battery pack manufacturers, the key message is clear: solid-state batteries are not replacing mainstream lithium-ion packs overnight, but the technology is moving close enough to production that equipment planning should begin now. Quick summary. * Solid-state battery companies are moving from cell samples toward pilot-line production and automotive validation. * QuantumScape announced a Honda joint research agreement in June 2026 and has been advancing QSE-5 solid-state lithium-metal cells. * Solid Power, BMW, Samsung SDI, SK On, Stellantis, Factorial, ProLogium, and other players are pushing different commercialization routes. * Battery pack manufacturers should prepare for new requirements in compression, stacking, inspection, formation, safety testing, and traceability. * Flexible battery assembly machines will matter because solid-state cell formats and pack designs are still changing. Why solid-state battery progress matters in 2026. The solid-state battery race is accelerating because EV and energy storage demand continues to grow. According to the International Energy Agency, global electric car sales exceeded 20 million in 2025, and EV battery deployment reached 1.2 TWh, up almost 30% from 2024. That scale gives automakers and battery suppliers a strong reason to search for higher energy density, better safety, faster charging, and longer service life. Solid-state batteries replace or reduce the liquid electrolyte used in conventional lithium-ion cells. The possible benefits include higher energy density, lower fire risk, improved fast-charging potential, and better packaging efficiency. The challenge is that solid-state cells are difficult to manufacture consistently. Interfaces between electrodes and solid electrolytes must be controlled carefully, and many designs need precise pressure, clean handling, and stable process conditions. Recent solid-state battery developments to watch. QuantumScape and Honda: On June 18, 2026, QuantumScape announced a joint research agreement with Honda R&D to advance its solid-state lithium-metal battery platform and associated manufacturing processes. This is important because it connects cell chemistry development with automotive manufacturing validation. QuantumScape pilot production: QuantumScape has also reported progress around its Eagle Line, a highly automated pilot production line intended to demonstrate scalable production of its QSE-5 technology. Pilot-line work matters because the next bottleneck is not only cell performance; it is repeatable manufacturing. Solid Power ecosystem: Solid Power reported first-quarter 2026 revenue and grant income tied partly to progress under its line installation agreement with SK On. The company is also working with BMW and Samsung SDI on all-solid-state battery development, including evaluation paths for vehicle applications. Stellantis and Factorial road testing: Stellantis and Factorial announced that advanced solid-state battery technology has been integrated into a Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle for road testing. Earlier data shared by Stellantis and Factorial highlighted 375 Wh/kg cell energy density and fast charging from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes under test conditions. ProLogium and module development: ProLogium is another company moving solid-state battery technology toward industrialization. In 2026, OPmobility and ProLogium signed an MoU to develop next-generation battery module solutions using ProLogium solid-state cells, showing that the pack and module layer is becoming part of the commercialization conversation. What this means for battery pack assembly. The biggest near-term impact is not that every battery factory must immediately rebuild around solid-state cells. Instead, manufacturers should expect more pilot projects, sample evaluation lines, and mixed production environments where conventional lithium-ion, semi-solid, and all-solid-state cells may be tested side by side. That creates new requirements for battery pack assembly. Pack makers may need more accurate stacking and compression equipment, gentler cell handling, flexible fixtures for changing cell dimensions, cleaner assembly environments, and improved process data collection. For prismatic or pouch-style solid-state cells, pressure control can become especially important because stable contact between layers may affect performance and cycle life. Battery testing may also become more demanding. Manufacturers may need to evaluate insulation, voltage consistency, internal resistance, temperature behavior, compression stability, and charge-discharge performance under different conditions. For early production, traceability is critical because manufacturers must connect performance data back to materials, cell batches, assembly pressure, welding quality, and test results. Equipment areas battery manufacturers should review. Cell sorting and grading: Solid-state cells may require tighter matching before module assembly, especially in pilot-stage production where process variation is still being improved. Compression and stacking: Prismatic and pouch cell modules may need accurate compression force, position control, and repeatable fixture design. This is a natural area for battery module compression machines and custom assembly fixtures. Connection and welding: Tab design, busbar layout, and current collector structures may differ from conventional cells. Manufacturers should keep welding, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or mechanical joining options flexible during early development. Inspection and testing: More inspection steps may be needed to verify alignment, insulation, pressure consistency, and electrical performance. CCD inspection, voltage/internal-resistance testing, capacity testing, and aging data can help stabilize new pack designs. Data traceability: Solid-state battery development will depend heavily on feedback between material, cell, module, and pack performance. Equipment with process records, test data export, and barcode or MES integration can help manufacturers learn faster. Buyer checklist for solid-state battery pilot projects. * Confirm the target cell format: pouch, prismatic, cylindrical, or custom prototype cell. * Check whether the process needs controlled compression during assembly or testing. * Plan for flexible fixtures because cell sizes and module structures may change during development. * Prepare testing equipment for voltage, internal resistance, capacity, insulation, temperature, and safety validation. * Use equipment that can record process data for engineering analysis and customer qualification. * Avoid over-investing in fixed automation before the cell design and pack structure are stable. Faq. Are solid-state batteries already in mass production in 2026? Most solid-state battery programs are still in pilot production, vehicle testing, or pre-commercial validation. Some companies are building industrial capacity, but large-scale mainstream EV adoption is still developing. Why do solid-state batteries affect battery pack assembly equipment? Solid-state cells can require different compression, handling, joining, inspection, and testing processes. Pack equipment must be flexible enough to support changing cell formats and module designs. Which equipment should a battery factory prepare first? For pilot projects, the most useful starting points are flexible fixtures, cell sorting, compression equipment, welding or joining tools, inspection systems, and battery testing equipment with traceability. Will solid-state batteries replace lithium-ion packs soon? Not immediately. Conventional lithium-ion batteries will remain dominant in the near term, while solid-state batteries are expected to enter through pilot vehicles, premium applications, and specialized projects first. About XWELL battery assembly equipment. XWELL provides battery assembly machines for cell sorting, spot welding, module assembly, compression, inspection, testing, and battery lab applications. For manufacturers preparing solid-state battery pilot projects or next-generation pack assembly lines, flexible equipment planning can reduce risk while the technology continues to mature.