MUNICH, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Volkswagen on

Monday for the first time unveiled an electric vehicle powered

by a solid-state battery, a nascent technology that has the

potential to bring down costs for and extend the lifespan of

EVs.

Volkswagen said the all-electric test motorbike relies on

technology provided by U.S.-based QuantumScape ( QS ), in which

the European carmaker is a shareholder.

"The solid-state battery has the potential to become a game

changer in e-mobility," said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen's board

member in charge of technology.

"Together with our partner QuantumScape ( QS ), we aim to

industrialize the technology and to take the next step towards

series production."

Globally, automakers and battery suppliers have unveiled

plans to develop solid-state batteries, seen as a key in efforts

to make longer-lasting, safer and cheaper EVs amid slowing

demand.

Volkswagen said the project partners, which apart from

QuantumScape ( QS ) also include Volkswagen's Audi and Ducati brands as

well as battery division PowerCo, would continue to test and

advance the technology in coming months.