Remember when electric motorcycles were just glorified scooters with delusions of grandeur? Those days are officially over. Ducati just rolled its V21L MotoE racer onto the stage at IAA Mobility in Munich powered by QuantumScape’s solid-state battery technology, marking the first time anyone has put this next-generation power source into a real vehicle that actually moves. This is a racing machine that rode across the stage and proved solid-state batteries have finally graduated from lab curiosity to trackable reality.
Perfect Timing
The move comes at a time when electric motorcycle racing desperately needs something to get enthusiasts excited again. While MotoE has provided decent racing since 2019, the bikes have always felt more tech-heavy. Ducati’s entrance into the series in 2023 with the original V21L already shifted that narrative, bringing proper racing pedigree to electric competition. Now, with solid-state technology onboard, they’re beginning a new chapter.
Racing with Future Tech
Since taking over MotoE duties from Energica in 2023, Ducati’s V21L has represented everything the series needed: a lightweight, purpose-built racer that actually looks and behaves like a proper Ducati. The original bike already impressed with its 150hp output, 18,000-rpm redline, and 225-kilogram weight — impressive figures that put it well ahead of its predecessor.
This solid-state variant takes those fundamentals and amplifies them through advanced battery chemistry. The new setup uses 980 QSE-5 cells from QuantumScape, featuring lithium metal anodes and ceramic separators instead of the graphite anodes and liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. The result is 844 watt-hours per liter of energy density and the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just over 12 minutes.
Instead of swapping batteries or enduring lengthy charging sessions, teams could theoretically top up mid-race and adjust their energy strategy based on track position.
What’s Next?
Solid-state technology promises better thermal management, which means more consistent performance as the battery heats because the ceramic separator eliminates the fire risk associated with liquid electrolytes. This rectifies one of the biggest safety concerns around high-performance electric vehicles.
After the announcement, QuantumScape’s stock jumped 20 percent. The company has been working on solid-state technology for over a decade, and seeing their batteries actually power a vehicle marks a crucial milestone toward commercial viability. We shall see what the future holds.
Ducati, PowerCo, and QuantumScape are targeting commercial solid-state battery production by the end of the decade. Next up is track testing to observe the technology under racing conditions.
Spec Sheet
Model: Ducati V21L (Solid-State Prototype)
Power: 150hp (110 kW)
Torque: 103lb.ft
Battery: 980 QuantumScape QSE-5 solid-state cells
Energy Density: 844 Wh/L
Charging: 10-80% in 12+ minutes
Weight: 496lbs
Pricing & Availability
This solid state battery V21L from Ducati is just a prototype with no commercial availability planned.
Recap
Ducati V21L Solid State Battery Prototype
Ducati’s V21L MotoE racer became the first vehicle to demonstrate QuantumScape’s solid-state battery technology in action at IAA Mobility, showcasing 844 Wh/L energy density and 12-minute charging that could transform electric motorcycle racing. The collaboration between Ducati, Volkswagen Group, and QuantumScape marks a crucial step from lab prototype to trackable reality, with commercial solid-state batteries targeted for the end of this decade.
