QuantumScape slips as investors weigh Q2 results, AI push beyond EV batteries

QuantumScape (QS) is expanding its solid-state battery ambitions beyond electric vehicles, targeting AI data centers, aerospace and defense as it seeks to diversify its commercial opportunities following its second-quarter earnings report.

The company reported a second-quarter net loss of $98.2M, narrowing from $114.7M a year earlier. Diluted loss per share came in at -$0.16, beating Wall Street estimates by $0.03. Customer billings were $10.8M, compared with $11.0M in the first quarter, while adjusted EBITDA loss totaled $64.2M. QuantumScape ended the quarter with $859.0M in liquidity.

For full-year 2026, the company reiterated its adjusted EBITDA loss guidance of $250M to $275M, while lowering its capital expenditure forecast to $27M-$37M from prior expectations, citing capital discipline and cost savings on select projects.

Alongside the results, QuantumScape unveiled a broader commercial strategy by establishing three business units: QSEV for electric vehicles, QSDC for AI data centers, and QSAS for advanced applications such as aerospace and defense.

"We see broad-based interest in our technology across a variety of applications beyond electric vehicles, including AI data centers and other advanced applications such as aerospace and defense….In order to serve our diverse and growing customer base, we are establishing three business verticals: QSEV for electric vehicles, QSDC for AI data centers, and QSAS for advanced solutions in applications such as aerospace and defense," the company said in a letter to shareholders.

The company said QSDC will move quickly to develop solutions for AI data center customers based on its solid-state battery technology, as demand for reliable, high-performance energy storage rises alongside AI infrastructure buildouts.