QuantumScape has introduced the QS PowerBlock, a modular energy storage reference design tailored for AI data centers. The system utilizes the company's proprietary solid-state lithium-metal battery technology, which has been in development since the firm's founding in 2010.
The company claims the PowerBlock offers 4x the power density and 5x the runtime compared to Open Compute Project benchmarks. Additionally, the system maintains thermal stability above 300 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the 180 degrees Celsius typical for conventional lithium-ion cells.
Designed for 800VDC architectures, the product is intended for 1 MW data center racks. As a reference design, it serves as a blueprint for operators to integrate into various module, shelf, and rack formats rather than a pre-packaged commercial unit.
QuantumScape is presenting the technology alongside partner Megmeet at the OCP Global Summit, scheduled for October 12–15, 2026. The company projects that the data center market could generate low single-digit billions in revenue by 2030.
While historically focused on the electric vehicle sector with partners like Volkswagen and Honda, the company is now pivoting to compete against established lithium-ion solutions in the data center infrastructure space.
