QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE: QS), a leader in solid-state lithium-metal batteries, has partnered with Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), a company specializing in glass and ceramics.
This partnership aims to improve the production of ceramic separators. These separators are crucial for bringing QuantumScape’s advanced battery technology to market.
Ceramics Meet Innovation: A New Era for EV Batteries
Traditional lithium-ion batteries are hitting their energy density limits while global demand for better storage continues to rise.
- QuantumScape’s solid-state design uses a solid ceramic separator instead of a flammable liquid electrolyte.
The ceramic separator is crucial for QuantumScape’s solid-state battery design. It offers higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety. And these advantages could transform the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets.
Dr. Siva Sivaram, CEO and President of QS, said,
“Corning’s world-class capabilities in ceramics manufacturing makes it an ideal addition to the QS technology ecosystem. Together with our ecosystem partners, we’re building the foundation for scalable production of our high-performance solid-state batteries and furthering our mission to revolutionize energy storage.”
Unlocking Corning’s Materials Mastery
Corning has leveraged its unmatched expertise in glass, ceramics, and optical sciences. Its strong manufacturing and engineering capabilities help to create groundbreaking innovations and life-changing products.
Thus, by combining QuantumScape’s innovation with Corning’s materials science, they plan to speed up mass production and deployment of the EV batteries.
Notably, QuantumScape’s technology can adjust to various cathode types, including Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP). This flexibility may also boost energy density and lower costs for various uses. All these factors align with its goal to create scalable, high-performance batteries for a low-carbon future.
Ron Verkleeren, Senior Vice President of Corning’s Emerging Innovations Group, noted that both companies share “a spirit of innovation.” He expressed excitement about working with QuantumScape to advance battery technology.
QS Stock Soars on Partnerships and U.S. Policy Boost
QuantumScape’s stock rallied in 2025, driven significantly by strategic partnerships and renewed U.S. government focus on domestic lithium production.
The Corning deal played a key role in boosting QS stock. Shares hit a 52-week high of $16.49 before closing at $15.92, an 11.3% daily gain. Year-to-date, the stock has risen 181%, outperforming the S&P 500’s 14.1% return.
As read before, the U.S. government recently invested in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass project with General Motors. This move aims to secure critical mineral supply chains. and will have a direct positive impact on battery developers like QuantumScape.
VW Boosts QuantumScape, Yet Industrial Hurdles Persist
QuantumScape’s progress has also been boosted by Volkswagen. Last year July, Volkswagen’s battery unit, PowerCo, secured a license to mass-produce QuantumScape’s solid-state cells, shifting from a joint venture to a licensing model with royalty payments tied to performance.
Volkswagen, which owns a 17% stake in QuantumScape valued at around $459 million, plans to produce up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells annually, with potential expansion to 80 GWh—enough to power roughly one million vehicles.
Although QuantumScape remains a pre-revenue company, its financial position and stock have strengthened after these deals. And Volkswagen’s commitment underscores its confidence in the company’s technology and its impact on the EV market.
However, the analysts say that the longer-term outlook for QS stock is mixed. While partnerships with Corning and Volkswagen boost its prospects, challenges remain. This is because scaling solid-state batteries from prototype to production is a complex process. And consistency, cost control, and long-term reliability are still unproven at an industrial scale.
Government Support Boosts Battery Sector Confidence
This shows that federal backing has boosted investor confidence in the battery sector. As the government invests in key mining projects, companies like QuantumScape will benefit from a more secure supply chain.
Solid-state batteries rely on lithium as a key component. As domestic supply grows, QuantumScape may lower risks from resource shortages and geopolitical issues. These changes fit with the Trump administration’s plan to invest in essential industries.
The Thacker Pass project fits perfectly in this timeline. It will produce 40,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate each year. This amount is enough for about 800,000 EVs.
- MUST READ: Every Lithium Stock Just Woke Up From a 3-Year Coma – Katusa Research
- ALSO SEE: U.S. Lithium Push: How Washington’s Bet on Lithium Americas Could Reshape the Global Market
A Key Moment for Solid-State Batteries
QuantumScape’s rise shows that investors are increasingly confident in solid-state battery technology. They see it as a key solution for future energy storage.
As per FortuneBusinessInsights, the global solid-state battery market is projected to experience rapid growth over the coming years.
- In 2024, the market size was valued at around $98.96 million, and it is forecasted to reach $119 million by 2025.
- By 2032, the market could surge to $1.36 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 41.61% between 2025 and 2032.
The partnership with Corning has strengthened QuantumScape’s path from lab research to large-scale production. At the same time, Volkswagen’s backing ensures that once the technology is ready, there’s already a market waiting for it.
Furthermore, with the current government policies, the company is now in a stronger position than ever. However, its future success will depend on how effectively it can scale production and turn its groundbreaking technology into a market-ready product.
And if it succeeds, QuantumScape could play a pivotal role in the EV revolution—reshaping the battery landscape and speeding up the world’s transition to cleaner energy
