Hyundai Motor Company and IonQ, a leader in trapped-ion quantum computing announced a partnership to create largest battery chemistry model yet to be run on a quantum computer, simulating structure and energy of lithium oxide. The project lays the groundwork to improve performance, cost, and safety of batteries — a critical advancement as batteries are typically the most expensive component of an electric vehicle (EV).

The partnership pairs IonQ’s expertise in quantum computing and Hyundai’s expertise in lithium batteries and will develop new variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithms to study lithium compounds and their chemical reactions involved in battery chemistry.  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.

TaeWon Lim, Executive Vice President and Head of Materials Research & Engineering Center at Hyundai Motor Group said, “This creative collaboration with IonQ is expected to provide innovation in the development of basic materials in virtual space for various parts of the future mobility. We’re excited to step into the upcoming quantum era and take advantage of the opportunities that await with more effective battery power.”

This collaboration comprises 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. Moreover, the partnership is also an important milestone for combating the threat of climate change as EVs play a critical role in meeting global sustainability targets.

Peter Chapman, President and CEO of IonQ added that, “Battery efficiency is one of the most promising emerging areas where quantum computing can make a difference. We are thrilled to be working with Hyundai Motor Company on this project to make EVs a primary mode of transportation across the globe.”

This partnership is the latest in IonQ’s continued efforts in the field of quantum chemistry.