{
  "id": 1685186,
  "title": "Can QuantumScape and Factorial Energy mass-produce solid-state batteries?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/can-quantumscape-and-factorial-energy-mass-produce-solid-state",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Scientific American",
    "slug": "scientific-american",
    "url": "https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-quantumscape-and-factorial-energy-mass-produce-solid-state-batteries/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two American companies, QuantumScape and Factorial Energy, are vying to mass-produce a new type of battery called solid-state batteries. These batteries promise higher energy densities than current lithium-ion batteries, which could help alleviate range anxiety in electric vehicles. QuantumScape, founded by Tim Holme, uses a ceramic-based cell and is currently producing it on a pilot line in Silicon Valley. Factorial Energy, led by Siyu Huang, employs a polymer-based cell and has its cells tested in Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis vehicles. Both companies claim their solid-state cells have significantly higher energy densities, up to 301 Wh/kg for QuantumScape and 391 Wh/kg for Factorial. The companies aim to bypass China's dominance in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. The term \"solid state\" refers to the architectural design of the battery, not a specific chemistry. Solid-state batteries replace liquid electrolytes with solid ones, eliminating flammability risks and enabling the use of pure lithium metal anodes, which could increase energy density by a factor of 10. However, solid electrolytes pose challenges, as lithium metal is highly reactive and can cause dendrite formation, leading to short circuits and fires. Despite these challenges, solid-state batteries hold promise for the future of battery technology, potentially outperforming current lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density and safety.",
  "summary": "Two American companies are pursuing rival manufacturing strategies for these long-promised cells in an industry China dominates",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}