QuantumScape vs. SES AI: Which Battery Stock Looks Better Now?

Core Insights - QuantumScape Corp. (QS) and SES AI Corp. (SES) are competing in the lithium-based battery market with differing strategies [1] - QuantumScape focuses on fully solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), while SES AI combines lithium-metal batteries with artificial intelligence [2] QuantumScape Overview - QuantumScape aims to deliver lighter, faster-charging, and safer solid-state batteries compared to lithium-ion technology, representing a significant breakthrough for EVs [5] - The company launched its Cobra manufacturing process in June 2025, which is 25 times faster than the previous Raptor system, facilitating large-scale production [6] - QuantumScape's shares have increased by approximately 104% year-to-date, indicating strong investor interest [3][7] - The company has begun delivering B1 samples produced with the Cobra process to automakers, with several major manufacturers evaluating these new cells [6] - Partnerships are crucial for QuantumScape, including a $131 million agreement with Volkswagen's PowerCo to support the QSE-5 pilot line [9] - QuantumScape recorded $12.8 million in customer billings for the first time in Q3, marking progress toward commercialization [10] SES AI Overview - SES AI is integrating AI with lithium-metal batteries, targeting higher energy density for various applications, including EVs and energy storage [12] - The company is in the early stages of commercialization and faces challenges in scaling production of lithium-metal batteries [12] - SES AI's Molecular Universe platform uses AI to optimize battery materials, with plans to monetize through software subscriptions and battery products [13] - The acquisition of UZ Energy allows SES to enter the energy storage systems market, targeting a $300 billion opportunity [14] - SES AI's revenues reached $16.4 million in the first nine months of 2025, with a full-year target of $20–$25 million [17] Comparative Analysis - QuantumScape's focused strategy on solid-state batteries provides clearer execution visibility compared to SES AI's broader approach, which includes multiple technologies and markets [18][19] - SES AI's diverse strategy increases execution risk, especially with limited revenues at this stage [18] - QuantumScape's recent manufacturing advancements and OEM support suggest a more straightforward path to market [19] - QuantumScape is currently rated as a better investment option compared to SES AI, which has a lower ranking [20]