Case Study: Mercedes-Benz advances electric vehicle battery innovation with IBM Quantum

Mercedes-Benz bets on quantum to craft the future of electric vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is working with IBM and its quantum computing technology to accelerate the design of next-generation batteries for electric vehicles. The company’s challenge is that developing materials like lithium-sulfur batteries requires simulating extremely complex molecular behavior, which is too demanding for even the most powerful classical computers.

IBM’s quantum computers are being used to help Mercedes-Benz model these molecular properties more efficiently, potentially speeding battery research before physical prototyping begins. The expected impact is faster innovation in energy-dense batteries that could improve charge capacity, extend battery life, reduce heat loss, and lower costs, helping Mercedes-Benz advance its goal of more than 50% plug-in hybrid or all-electric sales by 2030.

Mercedes-Benz

Benjamin Boeser

Director of Innovation Management