A Groundbreaking Leap in Battery Technology?

Prominent events like CES are known for grand disclosures of groundbreaking gadgets and tech that promise to change the world, typically rolled out with a projected availability within a couple of years. This two-year timeframe often serves as the perfect period to stir interest and secure funding while being distant enough that the anticipation dissipates and unmet promises fade into obscurity.

A memorable instance was CES 2018, where Henrik Fisker declared that his expert team had achieved a breakthrough in solid-state battery tech. He vowed these batteries would see large-scale production by 2020. The associated EMotion vehicle, however, was never realized. By 2021, the enthusiasm dwindled, and by 2024, the venture completely fizzled.

A Renewed Dream in Las Vegas

Fast forward to CES 2026, and a new revelation takes center stage with Marko Lehtimaki, Donut Lab’s co-founder and leader, claiming they've cracked the solid-state battery conundrum. Distancing from prior promises, Lehtimaki insists that new solid-state batteries are not years away but currently rolling off production lines.

Why the Excitement?

For those unfamiliar with the electrifying promise of solid-state technology, it heralds batteries that are affordable, lightweight, fast to charge, efficiently managed, energy-rich, and safe from combustion risks. Despite resembling the basic battery configuration with an anode, cathode, and electrolyte, the transformative switch from a liquid to a solid electrolyte promises remarkable durability and efficiency.

Donut Lab reports their solid-state batteries boast an astounding energy density of 400 Wh/kg, notably surpassing current lithium-ion batteries by around 30%. This means electric vehicles (EVs) could travel significantly further on a single charge with the same weight of battery.

Cost and Charging Advantages

What adds intrigue is their claim that the production costs are lower compared to existing technologies. The Verge TS Pro will reportedly premiere these batteries, with Lehtimaki mentioning a decrease in production costs due to material expenses and growing demand.

Charging speed is another breakthrough, with Donut claiming a full charge can be achieved in just five minutes, though initially, the Verge TS Pro targets a full charge time of ten minutes. Donut anticipates 100,000 charge cycles, a staggering leap from current lithium-ion batteries, poised to outlast the lifespan of the vehicles they power.

Thermal Resilience

Another benefit is thermal robustness. Even in extreme cold, these batteries maintain near full capacity, reducing the need for extensive cooling. Neil Yates from the Watt Electric Vehicle Company shares that Donut’s batteries lessen requirements for active cooling, which also sheds unnecessary weight from vehicles.

Production and Materials

Current manufacturing is underway in Finland, with plans to scale if market demand grows. The battery’s design reportedly avoids contentious materials that complicate global trade—hinting at innovative, perhaps sodium-based, cell chemistry. Yet, the technological specifics remain undisclosed for now.

One key technical challenge has been overcoming dendrite formation, a common solid-state battery issue. How has Donut succeeded where others have faltered? Lehtimaki attributes success to their lean, dynamic team, emphasizing the value of speed in innovation.

Speculation and Assurance

Rumors suggest Donut may have tapped into technology from Nordic Nano, yet Lehtimaki insists their innovations are independent. Collaboration with Verge Motorcycles since 2018 signifies consistent groundwork, with patent filings forthcoming. While skepticism is natural given past unfulfilled promises, Lehtimaki’s timeline asserts we’ll soon see tangible results, promising either validation or disillusionment.