QuantumScape (QS) stock rose as much as 14% on Thursday after the company announced a multi-year joint research agreement with Honda R&D Co., a subsidiary of Honda Motor. The stock was trading around $7.38 to $8.02 during the session.
The deal centers on advancing QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium-metal battery platform. The joint program includes a multi-year development plan covering both battery technology and manufacturing processes.
What makes this deal stand out is how it came about. Honda didn’t just sign on the dotted line — it completed a full technology evaluation first, including hands-on technical testing and competitive benchmarking against industry rivals.
Atsushi Ogawa, Chief Operating Officer of Honda’s Research Center of Excellence, said QS technology “demonstrated compelling and unique advantages during our evaluation.” He added that Honda sees “potential for QS technology to add value across a range of applications, including automotive.”
Solid-state batteries don’t use liquid electrolytes like conventional lithium-ion cells. They promise better range, faster charging, improved safety, and lower costs for EVs — though they are not yet ready for mass production vehicles.
The Honda agreement broadens QuantumScape’s automaker relationships. The company already works with Volkswagen through its PowerCo subsidiary. Adding Honda puts QS in partnerships with two of the world’s largest automakers.
QuantumScape competes in the solid-state battery space against companies including Solid Power and SES AI. The Honda deal, following a rigorous independent evaluation, adds weight to QS’s position in that competitive field.
The announcement also comes at a time when QuantumScape has been making operational progress. The company recently reported a narrower net loss, hit milestones on its Eagle Line production, and began billing customers — steps toward commercialization.
Despite Thursday’s jump, QS stock is still down about 30% in 2026. The broader EV supply chain has faced pressure following the expiration of the federal EV purchase tax credit in September 2025.
The stock is trading well below its 52-week high of $19.07. Thursday’s intraday range was $7.14 to $8.02.
Over the past 12 months, QS is up about 66%, reflecting a recovery from lower levels earlier in that period.
Honda’s U.S.-listed ADRs were up about 0.7% Thursday but remain down roughly 11% in 2026 and 11% over the past 12 months.
The broader market was positive on Thursday. The S&P 500 was up about 0.8% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained around 0.5%, as investors looked past the Federal Reserve’s recent signal that a rate hike remains possible in 2026.
Weekly jobless claims came in at 226,000 for the week ending June 13, down 4,000 from the prior week.
QuantumScape’s agreement with Honda was announced on June 18, 2026, from San Jose, California.
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