Volkswagen's first vehicle to be powered by a solid-state battery isn't what you'd expect
Published on Sep 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM (UTC-4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Sep 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Volkswagen’s first vehicle powered by a solid-state battery has been unveiled, but it’s not what you’d expect.
At the IAA Munich earlier this month, Volkswagen showed off the Ducati V21L electric motorcycle.
The manufacturer has been working on solid-state battery vehicles for a while now, and this is the end product.
So far, the world’s only seen it in action for 15 feet.
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Volkswagen’s first vehicle powered by a solid-state battery has been revealed
The Ducati V21L is the creation of MotoR, a company under the Volkswagen corporate umbrella.
As the first Volkswagen Group vehicle to run on a solid-state lithium-metal battery, it’s a big deal.
Thus far, it’s only been seen to drive a few feet – by an anonymous rider at IAA Munich earlier this month.
The power source was developed by QuantumScape and PowerCo.
“Future of e-mobility: PowerCo, Ducati and Audi have equipped an all-electric motorbike with QuantumScape’s groundbreaking solid-state battery for the first time,” Volkswagen said after the event.
“The tech demonstrator sets the next milestone on the way from the laboratory to series production.
“It offers a glimpse of the future of e-mobility with even longer ranges and shorter charging times.”
Dr Siva Sivaram, the CEO of QuantumScape, had been on stage with the Ducati V21L.
“We have a way to go, but we are on it,” he said, Autoweek reported.
“Our goal is set – commercial automotive cells before the end of the decade.”
Solid-state batteries – the next big thing?
Solid-state batteries differ from lithium-ion batteries in having a solid electrolyte as opposed to a liquid or polymer gel.
The solid component can be made from ceramics, glass, or sulphites.
They’ve been touted to have several benefits, including taking up less space, being safer, being faster to recharge, and carrying a greater range.
It seems like a lot of manufacturers have been getting on board with them in recent years.
Mercedes sent an EQS with a solid-state battery on a 750-mile trip on a single charge.
While Huawei has developed one capable of 1,864-mile journeys.
And it can be charged in just five minutes.
Then you have BYD, which came out and shut down rumors that it had been testing solid-state EV batteries.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
