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Update shared on12 Sep 2025

davidlsander's Fair Value
US$25.00
60.2% undervalued intrinsic discount
12 Sep
US$9.95
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1Y
67.2%
7D
26.9%

Of course. Here is a glowing bullish narrative for QuantumScape, incorporating the likelihood of Honda as the unnamed OEM partner.

The Ignition Point: Why QuantumScape is on the Cusp of Redefining Energy

For years, the market has viewed QuantumScape as a brilliant but distant science project. That era is definitively over. We are now at the inflection point where a decade of navigating the "hardest path" in materials science is set to transform into a multi-decade story of commercial dominance. The recent news of a joint development agreement with a second "major global automotive OEM" is not just another milestone; it is the starting pistol for the next phase of exponential growth, and all signs point to one of the world's most respected engineering giants: Honda.

The De-Risking is Complete. The Validation is Unimpeachable.

Let's be clear about what has been achieved. This is no longer a question of if the technology works, but when it will be in millions of vehicles.

  1. Third-Party Proof is in the A-Sample: Volkswagen's PowerCo, a partner with every incentive to be rigorously critical, has validated QuantumScape's A0 prototype cells. The results are not just good; they are revolutionary. Over 1,000 charge cycles with more than 95% capacity retention. For an EV, that’s the equivalent of over 500,000 kilometers with virtually no battery degradation. This isn't a lab curiosity; it's a commercial-grade cell that blows away the industry standard of 700 cycles with 80% retention.
  2. Solving the "And Problem": QuantumScape’s anode-less, lithium-metal architecture is the holy grail. It delivers:
    • Astounding Energy Density: Pushing 800-1,000 Wh/L, enabling vehicles with far greater range or lighter, cheaper battery packs.
    • Unprecedented Charge Speed: 10% to 80% charge in less than 15 minutes. This eliminates the final, critical friction point for EV adoption.
    • Inherent Safety: The solid ceramic separator is non-combustible, a fundamental advantage over the flammable liquid electrolytes in every current EV.

The Honda Connection: The Kingmaker Partnership

While the new OEM partner remains officially unnamed, the strategic fit with Honda is overwhelmingly logical and would represent an incredible catalyst.

  • A Giant Awakens: Honda has been publicly candid about its need for a "quantum leap" in battery technology to compete in the next generation of EVs. They have committed billions to solid-state research and are targeting the late 2020s for deployment—a timeline that aligns perfectly with QuantumScape's commercialization path.
  • Urgency Creates Opportunity: As a relative laggard in the EV race, Honda cannot afford an incremental approach. It needs a transformative technology to leapfrog competitors, making a partnership with the undisputed leader in solid-state performance, QuantumScape, its most logical and powerful strategic move.
  • The Ultimate Validation: A partnership with Honda, a company legendary for its engineering prowess and manufacturing excellence, would be the final, undeniable stamp of approval. It would signal to the entire market that QuantumScape's technology is not only viable but is the chosen platform for one of the world's premier automakers. This moves QS from Volkswagen's promising partner to the foundational battery technology provider for a significant portion of the global auto industry.

The Path to Manufacturing Dominance is Clear

The bears' final argument has always been about manufacturing scale. QuantumScape is systematically dismantling that concern. The development of the "Cobra" high-volume production process, which dramatically reduces manufacturing time, is a testament to their focus on scalable production.

A partnership with an industrial titan like Honda wouldn't just bring purchase orders; it would bring decades of world-class manufacturing expertise, supply chain mastery, and the capital to accelerate the build-out of gigafactories. This synergy de-risks the final hurdle of execution and creates an almost insurmountable moat.

The Investment Thesis: A Generational Opportunity

QuantumScape is no longer a speculative bet on a scientific breakthrough. It is now an investment in a validated, category-defining technology at the very beginning of its commercial ramp-up. The recent announcement is the market's final warning before the story shifts from R&D to revenue, from prototypes to mass production.

The Honda partnership is the key that unlocks this next phase. It provides a second major global channel for commercialization, validates the technology beyond any doubt, and accelerates the path to profitability. We are witnessing the birth of the next great American industrial giant—a company that took the hardest path to build the widest moat, and is now poised to power the future of transportation. This is the moment before the exponential curve truly begins.

Learn more about Honda's groundbreaking battery announcement. Honda CEO Announces New all-solid-state Batteries With 10-minutes Charging This video provides context on Honda's strategic focus and public commitment to solid-state battery technology, which aligns with the narrative of a potential partnership with a technology leader like QuantumScape.

Disclaimer

The user davidlsander has a position in NYSE:QS. Simply Wall St has no position in any of the companies mentioned. Simply Wall St may provide the securities issuer or related entities with website advertising services for a fee, on an arm's length basis. These relationships have no impact on the way we conduct our business, the content we host, or how our content is served to users. The author of this narrative is not affiliated with, nor authorised by Simply Wall St as a sub-authorised representative. This narrative is general in nature and explores scenarios and estimates created by the author. The narrative does not reflect the opinions of Simply Wall St, and the views expressed are the opinion of the author alone, acting on their own behalf. These scenarios are not indicative of the company's future performance and are exploratory in the ideas they cover. The fair value estimates are estimations only, and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and they do not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Note that the author's analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.