Company Description
QuantumScape Corporation (QS) focuses on developing next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. According to company disclosures and recent announcements, its batteries are designed for use in electric vehicles and other applications, with an emphasis on greater energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety compared with conventional lithium-ion cells. QuantumScape’s technology uses solid-state lithium-metal cells that do not employ the host materials used in traditional anodes.
QuantumScape’s stock is listed under the ticker QS. The company has notified the New York Stock Exchange of its intention to voluntarily withdraw its Class A Common Stock from the NYSE and transfer the listing to The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. An 8-K filed on December 10, 2025, states that trading on the NYSE is expected to end at market close on December 22, 2025, with trading on Nasdaq expected to begin on December 23, 2025, under the same ticker symbol.
Business focus and technology
Based on the company’s public statements, QuantumScape is developing solid-state lithium-metal battery cells that are intended to enable higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety characteristics. Its cells are described as anode-free solid-state batteries, meaning they lack the host materials used in conventional anodes. The company’s QSE-5 cell design and its proprietary ceramic separator are central elements of this technology.
QuantumScape has highlighted its Cobra separator process, a proprietary manufacturing process used to produce ceramic separators within its solid-state cells. The company reports that QSE-5 cells produced with the Cobra process have been used in real-world vehicle demonstrations, including a Ducati V21L race motorcycle program with PowerCo SE, the battery company of the Volkswagen Group. These demonstrations are positioned as proof points for the performance profile of the technology in demanding applications.
Commercial and ecosystem strategy
Recent company communications emphasize a strategy centered on technology licensing and building an ecosystem of partners across the battery value chain. QuantumScape has entered into collaboration and licensing arrangements with PowerCo, a battery cell company wholly owned by the Volkswagen Group. An Amended and Restated Collaboration Agreement described in a July 17, 2025 Form 8-K outlines joint work on the industrialization, development, validation, demonstration, and initial commercialization of QSE-5 technology, including a joint scale-up team at QuantumScape’s battery development pilot line in San Jose, California.
The same 8-K notes that the IP license agreement with PowerCo provides rights to produce battery cells based on QSE-5 technology, with the potential for additional licensed production capacity and future rights to license further technology generations. QuantumScape has also announced agreements with ceramics manufacturers such as Murata Manufacturing and Corning Incorporated to develop high-volume ceramic separator production capabilities, reinforcing its focus on partnering for scaling manufacturing rather than building all capacity on its own.
Pilot production and Eagle Line
QuantumScape has reported progress on its Eagle Line, a highly automated battery cell pilot production line in San Jose, California. According to a December 9, 2025 press release, the company completed installation of key equipment for higher-volume QSE-5 cell production on the Eagle Line, describing this as an important annual goal. The Eagle Line is intended to serve as the foundation for future gigawatt-hour-scale production by technology licensing partners, and to support customer demand for QSE-5 cells and future technology demonstrations.
The company has also announced the shipment of B1 samples of its QSE-5 cells, which it describes as its most advanced cells to date. These samples feature separators produced using the Cobra process and are presented as a step toward high-volume commercial production for electric vehicles and other applications.
Partnerships and global presence
QuantumScape’s public communications describe a growing network of partners, including automotive OEMs, technology companies, and ceramics manufacturers. The company has reported:
- An expanded collaboration and licensing deal with PowerCo, the battery maker of the Volkswagen Group.
- Joint development agreements with multiple major global automakers.
- A technology evaluation agreement with another major global automaker.
- Agreements with Murata Manufacturing and Corning for the development of high-volume ceramic separator production.
QuantumScape has also highlighted activities in Japan. It convened a Solid-State Battery Symposium in Kyoto, Japan, and has stated that it opened an office in Kyoto and has collaborated with partners across the Asia-Pacific region. The symposium brought together automotive OEM customers, technology partners, and government officials to discuss next-generation solid-state battery technology and its role in the automotive industry.
Operational footprint and licensing focus
Several 8-K filings describe adjustments to QuantumScape’s physical footprint that the company characterizes as consistent with a technology licensing focus. A July 8, 2025 8-K details the early termination of a lease for premises outside the company’s headquarters in San Jose, California, resulting in a smaller operational footprint. A December 3, 2025 8-K describes a sublease of another building outside the company’s headquarters, again noting that this change results in a smaller operational footprint aligned with the technology licensing strategy.
These actions indicate an emphasis on concentrating operations and relying on partners for large-scale manufacturing, consistent with the company’s stated licensing and ecosystem-building approach.
Stock listing and regulatory context
QuantumScape’s Class A Common Stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol QS. On December 10, 2025, the company filed an 8-K stating that it had notified the NYSE of its intention to voluntarily withdraw its listing and transfer to Nasdaq. A Form 25 filed on December 22, 2025, indicates that the company relied on the rule provision for voluntary withdrawal of a class of securities from listing and registration on the exchange, after complying with the exchange’s rules and applicable SEC requirements. The company has stated that its Class A Common Stock has been approved for listing on Nasdaq and will continue to trade under the ticker QS.
QuantumScape regularly files periodic and current reports with the SEC, including 8-Ks reporting business and financial results for its quarters, as well as material agreements and other significant events. These filings provide additional detail on its operations, partnerships, and financial condition.
Position within the manufacturing and automotive battery space
According to industry classification data, QuantumScape is associated with the motor vehicle gasoline engine and engine parts manufacturing category within the broader manufacturing sector. However, the company’s own disclosures focus on solid-state lithium-metal battery technology intended for electric vehicles and related applications, rather than traditional internal combustion engine components. Its activities center on battery cell design, solid-state separators, pilot production lines, and technology licensing to automotive and battery manufacturing partners.
Investor considerations
For investors researching QS stock, key themes in QuantumScape’s public information include:
- Development of solid-state lithium-metal battery cells designed for higher energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety.
- A business approach that emphasizes technology licensing and partnerships with automotive OEMs, battery manufacturers, and ceramics companies.
- Progress on pilot production capabilities, such as the Eagle Line and Cobra separator process, and shipment of QSE-5 sample cells.
- Strategic collaborations, including an expanded agreement with PowerCo and joint development agreements with multiple global automakers.
- The planned transfer of its stock exchange listing from the NYSE to Nasdaq while retaining the QS ticker symbol.
All of these points are based on the company’s own press releases, SEC filings, and publicly available descriptions of its technology and partnerships.