Donut Labs' Battery: Miracle or Mirage?

A Finnish-Estonian startup, Donut Labs, has generated significant controversy with its announcement of a groundbreaking solid-state battery. The company claims its cells offer double the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries, can last for 100,000 cycles, and charge to 80% in under five minutes. These revolutionary specifications, if true, could transform the electric vehicle and electronics industries.

However, the claims have been widely dismissed by industry figures, with some calling it a "scam." Donut Labs has responded by releasing test results from VTT Finland, a research organization. These tests, published weekly, have aimed to validate the battery's performance in areas like fast charging and durability.

Despite the released data, significant doubts persist. Tests indicated issues such as vacuum loss and capacity degradation after repeated cycles, contradicting some of the startup's initial promises. The company attributes packaging material failures to vacuum loss and continues to promote its technology through a "complete multimedia experience."

Verge Motorcycles, a parent company of Donut Labs, announced its TS Pro Gen 2 electric motorcycle would ship with the new battery in Q1 2026, a deadline that was met on March 31, 2026. The company continues to tease future generations with even more ambitious specifications, while critics question the lack of transparency and substantive proof.