Could this be the world’s first truly viable solid-state battery? A new startup, Donut Lab, claims to have achieved mass production of these highly anticipated energy storage solutions, potentially revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry. Unlike previous pronouncements that promised delivery in two years, Donut Lab asserts their solid-state batteries are available right now, a claim that, if true, marks a significant departure from past hype cycles.
Solid-state batteries have long been considered the holy grail of battery technology, promising a safer, more energy-dense, and faster-charging alternative to current lithium-ion batteries. The fundamental difference lies in the electrolyte: a solid material instead of a liquid. This seemingly small change has profound implications for battery durability, charging speed, and overall energy capacity.
What is a solid-state battery? It’s an advanced battery architecture that replaces the liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium-ion batteries with a solid material. This innovation aims to overcome critical limitations of current technology, leading to enhanced safety, longer lifespan, and improved performance.
Donut Lab is reporting impressive specifications for their solid-state cells. They claim an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, which is approximately 30% higher than current lithium-ion packs. This translates to the potential for 30% more range in electric vehicles without increasing battery weight.
Despite the advanced technology, Lehtimaki, CEO of Donut Lab, suggests that these batteries are actually cheaper to manufacture than their predecessors. He stated that the bill of materials has decreased, and is expected to continue falling as more vendors adopt their technology. This cost reduction could significantly accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
The charging speed is another major selling point. Donut Lab claims their batteries can achieve a full charge in as little as five minutes, a speed that would finally match the convenience of refueling a traditional gasoline-powered car. For the initial application in the Verge TS Pro electric motorcycle, a full charge takes 10 minutes.
When it comes to lifespan, Donut Lab is projecting an astonishing 100,000 charge cycles before significant degradation. While Verge Motorcycles is quoting a more conservative 10,000 cycles for their application, even this figure represents a substantial improvement over the typical 1,500 cycles found in most EV batteries.
This radical increase in cycle life means a solid-state battery could easily outlast the vehicle it powers. Lehtimaki envisions a future where these batteries retain 100% residual value after the car’s lifespan, allowing them to be repurposed for home energy storage or other applications.
Beyond energy density and lifespan, Donut Batteries are reportedly extremely thermally stable, maintaining nearly full capacity even at -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This inherent stability means significantly less active cooling is required, reducing complexity and weight within the vehicle’s architecture.
Neil Yates, CEO of Watt Electric Vehicle Company, an EV platform maker, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of Donut Battery’s thermal resiliency. He noted that the need for active cooling would be virtually eliminated, simplifying vehicle design and saving valuable space and weight.
Donut Lab states that their cells are currently in production in Finland, with an initial capacity of one gigawatt-hour. They also indicate a readiness to establish new factories in the U.S. should demand from American manufacturers materialize. The battery chemistry is reportedly free from conflict minerals, simplifying supply chains and avoiding potential import/export issues.
While the specifics of Donut Lab’s proprietary technology, particularly how they’ve overcome the long-standing dendrite issue that plagues solid-state battery development, remain undisclosed, Lehtimaki attributes their success to the agility of their small engineering team. He believes that rapid iteration and focused expertise are key to groundbreaking innovation.
Despite speculation linking Donut Lab to other Finnish startups, Lehtimaki maintains that their solid-state battery technology is an independent development resulting from years of dedicated work by Donut and Verge Motorcycles engineers. Patents are pending, with more details anticipated in the coming months.
Given the history of ambitious claims in the solid-state battery space, skepticism is warranted. However, the key difference this time is the assertion of immediate production, rather than a distant future promise. This immediate availability, if verifiable, offers a compelling reason for optimism, and the market will soon discover if this truly is the breakthrough the EV industry has been waiting for.
How to understand the future of EV batteries? The development of solid-state batteries by companies like Donut Lab represents a significant leap forward, promising enhanced range, faster charging, and improved safety, potentially transforming the electric vehicle landscape.
Solid state battery vs lithium ion battery: The primary distinction lies in the electrolyte, with solid-state batteries utilizing a solid material while lithium-ion batteries rely on a liquid. This difference leads to crucial advantages in terms of energy density, safety, and lifespan for solid-state technology.
Best solid state battery for electric cars: Donut Lab’s newly announced solid-state batteries are positioned as a leading contender, boasting impressive energy density and charging speeds, potentially setting a new standard for EV performance.
Solid state battery news: Recent developments from Donut Lab indicate that mass production of solid-state batteries may finally be a reality, moving beyond years of theoretical research and development.
Marko Lehtimaki news: The CEO of Donut Lab is making bold claims about his company’s advancements in solid-state battery technology, suggesting a breakthrough in EV energy storage is here.
Best solid state battery 2026: While current advancements are being announced, the widespread adoption and refinement of solid-state batteries are expected to mature significantly by 2026, offering even greater benefits.
Solid state battery guide 2026: As the technology evolves, comprehensive guides will emerge by 2026 to help consumers and industry professionals understand the nuances and advantages of these next-generation batteries.
