New Solid State Battery
- Rex Ballard
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Holy Grail for Electric Vehicles?
Las Vegas, January 6, 2026 – At CES 2026, Finnish startup Donut Lab unveiled what it claims is the world's first production-ready all-solid-state battery, promising to revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) and beyond. Partnering with Verge Motorcycles, the battery is set to power production models like the TS Pro starting in Q1 2026, boasting double the energy density of current lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, ultra-fast charging, and exceptional longevity.
The announcement has sparked excitement across the tech and automotive worlds, with Donut Lab positioning the battery as the "holy grail" for EVs by addressing key pain points: range anxiety, long charging times, safety risks, and material shortages.
Imagine electric vehicles (cars, trucks, boats and planes) with long range and quick charging that rivals gasoline engines and lifetime warranties. According to Donut Lab CEO Marko Lehtimäki, the technology uses abundant, affordable materials free from rare earths or geopolitically sensitive elements, making it scalable and cheaper to produce than traditional Li-ion batteries. Initial applications focus on motorcycles, but expansions to cars, trucks, drones, defense tech, and grid storage are planned.
Key Specifications and Claims
Donut Lab's battery touts impressive specs that outpace standard Li-ion technology:
For a side-by-side comparison of the key metrics:
Category | Donut Lab Solid-State Battery | Standard Lithium-Ion Battery |
Energy Density | 400 Wh/kg ✅ | 200-300 Wh/kg (typically ~250 Wh/kg) |
Charging Speed | 5 minutes for full charge (up to 10C rate) ✅ | ~60 minutes for full charge (typically 1C rate) |
Lifespan (Cycles) | Up to 100,000 cycles with minimal degradation ✅ | 1,000-5,000 cycles (typically ~2,000 to 80% capacity retention) |
Temperature Range | -30°C to 100°C (130°C span, retains 99% capacity) ✅ | -20°C to 60°C (80°C span) |
Safety | No flammable liquid electrolytes; no thermal runaway or dendrite risks ✅ | Risk of thermal runaway, fires, and dendrite formation |
Materials | Abundant, affordable, no rare earths or sensitive elements ✅ | Often includes rare earths and geopolitically sensitive materials |
Cost | Claimed lower than Li-Ion; no specific $/kWh published ✅ | $100-150/kWh at scale |
Production Status | In production at gigawatt-hour scale; available for OEMs ✅ | Mature and widely produced |
Although Donut Labs has yet to announce official pricing, the only point of reference is reflected in the pricing difference of the Verge motorcycle with and without the new solid state battery. In the Verge TS Pro, the 33.3 kWh solid-state version is priced at $34,900, a $5,000 premium over smaller Li-ion options. Watch this section of Donut Lab's announcement re: Verge video here.
For a deeper dive into the technology, check out this video:
Additionally, see the Verge TS Pro in action with its solid-state power:
Hype vs. Reality: Skepticism Abounds
While media outlets like CNET and Interesting Engineering have hailed it as a breakthrough, skepticism is rife. Critics on platforms like Reddit and X point to the lack of independent third-party testing, the small team's rapid pivot from hubless motors to batteries, and claims that seem "too good to be true." Historical precedents, such as over-promised solid-state tech from Toyota and QuantumScape, fuel doubts about commercialization hurdles. Some forums label it an "obvious scam," urging caution until real-world Verge deliveries in Q1 provide verifiable proof.
Donut Lab insists the battery has undergone rigorous extreme-condition testing with no failures, and its immediate OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) availability sets it apart from lab-bound competitors. As EVs continue to evolve, this could accelerate adoption if validated—but for now, it's a blend of promising innovation and unproven hype.
