
IonQ a leader in trapped-ion quantum computing, and Hyundai Motor today announced a partnership to develop new variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithms to study lithium compounds and their chemical reactions involved in battery chemistry. The partnership pairs IonQ’s expertise in quantum computing and Hyundai’s expertise in lithium batteries. This research has the potential to lead to new types of source material that save time, cost, and effort in the years to come — a critical advancement as batteries are typically the most expensive component of an electric vehicle (EV).

Quantum-powered chemistry simulation is expected to significantly enhance the quality of next-generation lithium batteries by making improvements to the devices’ charge and discharge cycles, as well as their durability, capacity and safety. IonQ and Hyundai are laying the foundation to create better quality batteries by more precisely simulating and controlling their chemical reactions. Today’s collaboration is a crucial component of Hyundai’s Strategy 2025 goals, which include the sale of 560,000 EVs per year and the introduction of more than 12 battery electric vehicle (BEV) models to consumers.