Ducati V21L is the VW Group’s first all-electric vehicle with solid-state battery tech
VW Group showcases its first test vehicle with sold-state batteries based on Ducati V21L MotoE Racer
VW Group’s Ducati showcases its first solid-state battery test vehicle based on the V21L MotoE race bike.
The VW Group has harnessed the power of solid-state battery technology and is testing its real-world viability along with its host of partners and subsidiaries like QuantumScape, PowerCo, Elli and Ducati. The all-electric Ducati V21L MotoE Racer is the basis for the group’s first test vehicle to have solid-state batteries equipped with approximately 980 QSE-5 cells from QuantumScape. It has fast charging and is capable of going from 10 to 80 per cent of charge in 12 minutes. QSE-5 cells have a lithium metal anode and a ceramic separator that prevents lithium fibre growth, avoiding short circuiting. This new battery tech has improved energy density, charging speeds, safety and lifecycle over NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) batteries which have a graphite anode.
The standard Ducati V21L MotoE is an electric race bike that has been participating in the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) since 2023. It has a top speed of 275kmph, recorded at Mugello Circuit. The V21L MotoE gets an 18kWh battery pack, weighing 110kg and it charges through a 20W charging socket incorporated in the tail of the bike. The bike’s motor makes 147.5bhp and 140Nm. As for the chassis, there’s a front-monocoque frame that weighs 3.7kg and a carbonfibre cradle that holds the battery pack. The entire suspension is from Ohlins with an NPX 25/30 USD fork at the front, and a TTX36 monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by Brembo on both ends. The front gets 338.5mm double discs designed for extended track use and paired with dual GP4RR M4 32/36 calipers with a PR19/18 radial master cylinder. At the rear it has a 220mm single disc paired to a P34 caliper with a PS13 master cylinder. The bike weighs 225kg.
The group is already developing a ‘Unified Cell’ architecture that will bring solid-state batteries to VW’s Urban Electric Car Family. Elli, VW’s energy solutions subsidiary has built a PowerCenter in Salzgitter, Germany which is its first large-scale energy storage facility. It will be an energy trading platform and will be connected to the grid in December, 2025.
Unified Cell technology will bring solid-state batteries to VW’s Urban Electric Car Family.
Production for the first Unified Cells will begin by the end of 2025 at VW AG’s Salzgitter Gigafactory. The group’s plants in Valencia, Spain and St. Thomas, Canada will follow suit. Prerequisites and building blocks such as the cathode material will also be born out of European production. This will make the Unified Cell a cornerstone for new-age battery technology and mark the European Automotive Industry as a contributor in the global EV space. Are you excited for the future of solid-state battery tech? Stay tuned to evo India for more updates on this topic.
