Donut Lab claims solid-state batteries will enter production this year

Start-up says batteries will enter production this year, but experts question some of the claimed specifications

Finnish start-up Donut Lab says it has achieved a breakthrough in solid-state battery development. These batteries are regarded as the “holy grail” of battery technology because of their high energy density, long service life and rapid-charging potential. Donut Lab, a spin-off from Verge Motorcycles, says its batteries will move into production as early as this year.

Donut Lab solid-state battery claims

Experts remain sceptical because the company has no widely recognised research track record or published scientific data. However, Donut Lab has released findings from independent tests conducted by Finland’s leading state research and technology centre, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The results reportedly confirm the battery’s stated specifications: an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, a five-minute charge time, a lifespan of up to 100,000 cycles, and resistance to temperatures ranging from -30 to 100 °C. The batteries contain neither rare-earth elements nor flammable liquid electrolytes.

Reliability questions and competing development

Key details, including the chemical composition, density and lifespan, have not yet been proven. Donut Lab’s batteries experienced vacuum-sealing issues during thermal testing, raising concerns about the technology’s reliability. Experts, including members of the scientific community, point out that solid-state batteries face the challenge of dendrite formation - metallic cracks that can cause a short circuit.

While Donut Lab works to address these shortcomings, China is making rapid progress with solid-state batteries. CATL recently filed a patent for batteries with an energy density of 500 Wh/kg and intends to begin small-scale production in 2027. Other Chinese firms, including FAW, also say they are ready to integrate their batteries into electric vehicles.

Donut Lab says that “its technology poses a threat to major market players”. Chief executive Marko Lehtimäki said that industry resistance would only intensify despite the evidence. The company has also announced a second battery version, which is closer to production readiness and will begin shipping to customers towards the end of the year.