Startup's 'Revolutionary' Battery Revealed as Old Tech

Finnish startup Donut Lab's January announcement of the world's first production-ready solid-state battery has been debunked. Despite marketing the "Donut battery" as a pioneer for electric vehicles and a CES 2026 finalist, investigations indicate it uses existing lithium-ion technology. This revelation follows scrutiny from battery researcher Ryan Inis Hughes and his team, who presented evidence identifying the battery chemistry.

Further reports suggest Donut Lab significantly misled investors, raising approximately $25 million from over 1,300 individuals based on false claims. These allegations have drawn comparisons to the Theranos case, where founder Elizabeth Holmes was convicted of fraud. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Solid-state batteries promise substantial improvements over lithium-ion, including enhanced safety, faster charging, and greater energy density. While major manufacturers like Toyota are pursuing this technology, none have yet declared a production-ready solution, highlighting the significance of Donut Lab's retracted claims.