Is Toyota working with QuantumScape?
No. There is no public record of Toyota and QuantumScape collaborating on solid-state batteries as of today. QuantumScape’s publicly disclosed partnerships center on Volkswagen Group, not Toyota.
To understand why this question comes up, this article examines QuantumScape’s known partnerships, Toyota’s ongoing work in solid-state technology, and any public signals about a potential tie-up between the two companies.
What QuantumScape Is Known For
QuantumScape is a U.S.-based company focused on developing solid-state lithium-metal battery cells intended for next-generation electric vehicles. The firm rose to prominence for its milestone-focused demonstrations and investor roster, with Volkswagen Group serving as its most prominent strategic partner in automotive applications. Public disclosures describe progress from laboratory work toward pilot-scale production, with timelines that have been adjusted over time as the technology matures.
Here are the key facts about QuantumScape's public-facing partnerships and milestones:
- Strategic partner: Volkswagen Group, with a joint effort to accelerate solid-state battery development for EVs.
- Investors include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and other private investors; Toyota is not listed among the investor base.
- Technology development has progressed through lab milestones toward pilot-scale demonstrations, with production timelines often pushed into the mid-to-late 2020s in public communications.
In summary, QuantumScape’s public profile is strongly linked to Volkswagen Group, with backing from several high-profile investors and no publicly confirmed collaboration with Toyota.
Toyota's Position in Solid-State Battery Development
Toyota has long pursued solid-state battery development as a core part of its future EV strategy. The company has described ongoing programs through its research arm and has engaged with suppliers to advance solid-state technology for eventual production. While Toyota has partnerships and collaborations with several suppliers and research institutions, there is no public record of a formal collaboration with QuantumScape.
Public statements and investor disclosures
- Toyota has publicly described an ongoing solid-state battery program led by its Toyota Research Institute (TRI), including university and industry collaborations.
- The company has worked with various suppliers to secure materials and cell technology to advance solid-state concepts, but QuantumScape is not listed among its disclosed partners.
- As of the latest public statements, Toyota has not announced a joint venture, investment, or formal partnership with QuantumScape.
Public records and official statements thus indicate that Toyota is pursuing its own solid-state ambitions with other partners, while QuantumScape's listed automotive collaboration remains with Volkswagen Group. If a future collaboration with Toyota were to emerge, it would be announced through standard corporate channels by both companies.
Public Signals: Is There a Toyota–QuantumScape Collaboration?
Below are the public-facing signals that inform whether a Toyota–QuantumScape collaboration exists. These signals come from official announcements, regulatory filings, and major media reporting.
- No Toyota–QuantumScape collaboration has been announced by either company in press releases or investor communications.
- QuantumScape’s disclosed strategic partner remains Volkswagen Group, with funding and collaboration focused on VW’s automotive programs.
- Toyota’s public disclosures about solid-state battery development do not reference QuantumScape as a partner or investor.
Based on these public signals, there is no evidence of a formal Toyota–QuantumScape collaboration at this time. The two companies appear to be pursuing separate paths in solid-state battery development, with Toyota advancing its own program and QuantumScape maintaining its VW-centered collaboration pattern.
What This Means for the Industry
The absence of a Toyota–QuantumScape collaboration reinforces how the solid-state battery landscape remains fragmented, with different automakers partnering with different developers and suppliers. Toyota continues to push forward with its own solid-state roadmap, while QuantumScape's strategy centers on its relationship with Volkswagen and its broader investor base. As the technology approaches commercialization, any new cross-company partnerships would likely surface in formal announcements.
Summary
Current public information shows no collaboration between Toyota and QuantumScape. QuantumScape remains tied publicly to Volkswagen Group, with Toyota pursuing its own solid-state battery initiatives through TRI and supplier partnerships. The landscape could shift in the future, but for now there is no confirmed Toyota–QuantumScape partnership.
Did Toyota invest in QuantumScape?
Toyota Motor, located in Toyota (Japan), made their first investment in QuantumScape on Sep 13, 2018 in its Series C round.
Who is the battery supplier for Toyota?
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has agreed with Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Panasonic HD) to make Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE) a wholly owned subsidiary in order to strengthen its capabilities in mass-producing automotive batteries.
Is Toyota working on a solid-state battery?
Toyota aims to launch the 'world's first' all-solid-state EV batteries. Toyota is doubling down on the “holy grail” of EV tech — all-solid-state batteries. Its first EV could arrive as soon as 2027, promising longer driving range, faster charging times, and more.
What car companies is QuantumScape working with?
QuantumScape announced an expanded collaboration with PowerCo, Volkswagen's battery subsidiary, which includes up to US$131 million in milestone payments, and revealed a new joint development agreement with another major global automotive OEM.
