In a demonstration built around an expected data center training workload, QuantumScape Corporation's newly introduced QS PowerBlock surpassed key specifications set by the Open Compute Project, according to figures the company published on October 8, 2026.

The results were measured against the OCP Open Rack V3 (ORV3) specification, the reference standard for open data center hardware. QuantumScape, the San Jose-based developer of solid-state lithium-metal battery technology trading on Nasdaq under the ticker QS, reported two headline numbers from the testing: four times the power density of current data center industry standards, and five times the runtime.

Higher power density, the company said, allows energy-hungry AI systems to fit into compact and cost-effective data center designs, while extended runtime gives operators greater margin to smooth out power fluctuations and improve hardware productivity.

A reference design for high-density racks

The QS PowerBlock adapts QuantumScape's solid-state lithium-metal cells for the data center environment. The company describes it as an adaptable reference design rather than a fixed product, able to accommodate a variety of module, shelf, and rack formats and intended for deployment in industry-standard power rack configurations.

When combined with advanced power system components, QuantumScape says the design delivers a mix of power, runtime, and safety sufficient to support the 1 MW racks expected in next-generation facilities, along with 800VDC architecture.

The company argues its cells enable safer, higher-performing energy storage than conventional lithium-ion batteries, a distinction it says helps protect billion-dollar infrastructure investments.

In third-party and customer safety testing, QuantumScape's cells have demonstrated thermal stability well over 300 °C, whereas conventional lithium-ion cells typically enter catastrophic thermal runaway at approximately 180 °C.

Leadership frames the move as an entry point for AI infrastructure

Dr. Siva Sivaram, QuantumScape's CEO and president, said QS solid-state battery technology offers an unmatched combination of energy, power, and safety across applications ranging from electric vehicles to AI data centers and beyond. With the QS PowerBlock, he said, the company is bringing that value proposition to AI data center customers to enable the 800VDC designs that will power the next phase of AI growth.

T

he product introduction represents a new application for the company's cell technology, which had previously been positioned for electric vehicles. QuantumScape states its mission as revolutionizing energy storage to enable a sustainable future, with next-generation solid-state lithium-metal technology designed for greater energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety as part of a shift toward a lower carbon future.

Booth C19 at the OCP Global Summit and a new consortium membership

The QS PowerBlock design will be shown publicly at the 2026 OCP Global Summit, scheduled for October 12–15 at the San Jose Convention Center. It will appear at booth C19, hosted by Megmeet, which QuantumScape identifies as an official partner and power system component provider within the NVIDIA MGX Ecosystem.

In parallel with the product announcement, QuantumScape said it has joined the Open Compute Project as a member.

The company tied the decision to AI workloads pushing data centers toward unprecedented power density, saying it is joining industry leaders to help build the open standards on which infrastructure providers depend.

The fine print behind the performance numbers

QuantumScape was explicit that the reported results came from prototype testing and modeled system configurations under controlled conditions, benchmarked against the OCP Open Rack V3 specification. Final QS PowerBlock performance, the company cautioned, will depend on product design, system configuration, and real-world operating conditions.