Donut Lab Says Solid-State Battery Test Results Are Imminent

Startup Promises Independent Validation After CES Claims

Finnish battery newcomer Donut Lab says it will soon release third-party verification to support its bold statements about a production-ready solid-state battery. The company, which drew widespread attention at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, faced sharp criticism after presenting performance figures without accompanying technical documentation or live demonstrations.

In a recently published video update, Chief Executive Officer Marko Lehtimaki stated that independent assessments have already been conducted by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, a government-owned research institution. According to the company, detailed findings will be unveiled through a series of videos beginning February 23, alongside supporting material hosted on a newly launched website designed to address skepticism directly.

Performance Targets That Raised Eyebrows

Solid-state battery development has long been viewed as a major technological leap for electric mobility. Industry leaders and emerging firms alike have pursued the concept for years, aiming to replace conventional liquid electrolytes with solid materials to improve safety, charging speed, durability, and energy density. Despite ongoing research, most major manufacturers indicate commercial readiness remains several years away.

Against that backdrop, Donut Lab’s specifications appeared unusually ambitious. The startup claims its battery achieves 400 watt-hours per kilogram, substantially above the 200–300 Wh/kg typical of current lithium-ion systems. It also asserts that charging can be completed in under 10 minutes, with a lifespan reaching 100,000 charge cycles—far beyond the roughly 1,500–3,000 cycles associated with many existing EV batteries.

The company further maintains that its chemistry avoids rare earth elements and toxic materials, and that the pack can operate in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 100°C. These performance thresholds, if verified, would represent a significant shift in battery capability.

Industry Pushback and Funding Pressures

At the trade show, however, observers noted the absence of technical papers, patent disclosures, or working demonstrations. Analysts and battery specialists questioned whether the stated metrics were achievable within current scientific constraints. The reaction was swift, with some established manufacturers publicly casting doubt on the feasibility of the claims.

Lehtimaki acknowledged that skepticism has tangible consequences. Heightened scrutiny, he said, complicates fundraising efforts essential for scaling manufacturing. He argued that releasing validated data is necessary both to reassure potential partners and to distinguish measurable results from marketing language.

The CEO also suggested that resistance from incumbent players is not unusual when disruptive technologies emerge. According to his remarks, transformative advances can threaten existing business models, making industry acceptance slower and more contentious.

Planned Deployment With Verge Motorcycles

Donut Lab previously stated that its battery would be installed in a production motorcycle built by Verge Motorcycles during the first quarter of this year. Verge has reiterated that early manufacturing remains scheduled within that timeframe, though it cautioned that initial output will be extremely limited. Customers placing new orders may face deliveries later this year or possibly next year due to constrained volumes.

If the independent testing confirms the company’s performance figures, Donut Lab could challenge prevailing assumptions about the timeline for solid-state commercialization. Conversely, if results fall short of expectations, the episode may reinforce caution around breakthrough announcements in an industry accustomed to incremental progress.

For now, the startup’s strategy centers on transparency. By releasing third-party data into the public domain, Donut Lab aims to convert debate into measurable evaluation. Whether that approach restores confidence—or intensifies scrutiny—will likely depend on the rigor and completeness of the forthcoming evidence.

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