Finnish startup Donut Lab has released independent test results confirming the ultra-fast charging of its solid-state battery for electric vehicles. The cell reached charge from 0% to 80% in about 4.5 minutes at 11C rate, without the need for extensive active cooling. The full charge from 0% to 100% occurred in just over seven minutes under the conditions evaluated by the VTT research center, from Finlândia. Esses data partially validates the promises made by the company in January during CES, when it presented the technology as ready for scale production and application in vehicles.
The Donut Lab solid-state battery stands out for its energy density of 400 Wh/kg, higher than most conventional lithium-ion batteries. Ela supports estimated life cycles of up to 100,000 recharges, with minimal loss of capacity over time. Diferente than other solid-state technologies, it does not require high compression or undergo significant volumetric changes during cycles, which simplifies battery pack design and reduces costs.
The company integrates this battery into electric motorcycles from Verge Motorcycles, a development partner. Updated Modelos promise extended range and recharging that adds hundreds of kilometers in a few minutes. Deliveries to customers are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
Fast charge test results
The tests carried out by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland focused on thermal behavior and recharge speed. At a rate of 11C, the cell reached 80% charge in 4.5 minutes, with maximum temperature controlled below critical levels. Full charge took just over seven minutes, maintaining capacity retention between 98.4% and 99.6% after discharge.
At a more moderate rate of 5C, the time to 80% was approximately 9.5 minutes. Full charge took about 12 minutes, with 100% capacity available upon subsequent discharge. The tests used passive cooling configurations, with aluminum plates, simulating scenarios without complex active systems.
The battery demonstrated thermal stability even at high power peaks. The temperature rose from ambient values to a maximum of 63°C in extreme conditions, with no signs of degradation or risk of ignition.
Advantages over conventional batteries
Traditional lithium-ion batteries typically operate at rates of 1C to 3C, requiring active cooling for fast charges. Donut Lab’s solution allows for much higher rates without these requirements, resulting in lighter, more compact and efficient packages. Isso opens up possibilities for vehicles with greater autonomy and lower structural weight.
The technology avoids common problems in solid-state cells, such as dendrite growth that can cause short circuits. The design uses abundant materials, without relying on rare elements, facilitating scalability in production.
Performance retention in extreme temperatures was highlighted. In cold or hot conditions, the battery maintains high capacity, expanding applicability in different climates and uses.
Initial application on electric motorcycles
The Verge Motorcycles incorporates the Donut battery into its TS Pro line. The package offers a range of around 350 kilometers in combined conditions. With ultra-fast charging, it adds up to 300 kilometers in ten minutes, depending on available infrastructure.
This integration marks the commercial debut of the technology in production vehicles. The partnership between Donut Lab and Verge accelerates validation in a real environment, with units already being shipped to selected customers.
The initial focus on motorcycles allows for smaller-scale testing before expanding to passenger cars or other segments.
Next steps and data releases
Donut Lab plans to release more measurement results in the coming weeks. Sequential reports will address durability, power density and other parameters. The transparency campaign aims to answer initial questions about the viability of the technology.
The data released so far focuses on charging speed and thermal stability. Additional Testes should confirm promised longevity and safety in varying scenarios.
The company maintains that gigawatt-hour production is now available to interested OEM manufacturers.