Finnish startup Donut Lab has announced test results showing its solid-state battery charged from 0% to 80% in just four and a half minutes. The company claims this represents the world’s first commercially viable solid-state battery technology.
Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre independently verified the performance results.
The breakthrough comes as automakers race to develop next-generation battery technology that could eliminate range anxiety and lengthy charging times. Solid-state batteries pack more energy into smaller spaces than current lithium-ion batteries while charging significantly faster.
Donut Lab’s testing outpaced Toyota’s solid-state efforts in charging speed. The Japanese automaker is developing batteries capable of over 600 miles per charge but hasn’t released specific performance data.
Testing Limitations and Questions
The rapid charging demonstration involved only a single battery cell under controlled conditions. Donut Lab acknowledged that whole vehicle battery packs will perform differently than individual cells.
Key concerns remain about long-term durability and real-world performance. Industry observers questioned whether the battery can handle tens of thousands of charging cycles and extreme temperatures.
While VTT confirmed the charging performance, the company’s claimed 100,000-cycle lifespan still needs independent verification.
Simplified Manufacturing Process
CEO Ville Piippo said similar performance should be achievable in full-scale applications.
“Unlike other solid-state batteries requiring high compressive pressures and undergoing volume changes of up to 15-20 per cent during recharging cycles, the Donut Battery does not require special compression or more extensive cooling.”
He added that this approach “greatly simplifies the structure of battery packs and enables solutions that are cost-efficient, powerful, and better than traditional lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy and power density.”
Industry Race for Solid-State Technology
Solid-state batteries represent the next major advancement in EV technology. They use solid electrolytes instead of flammable liquids, reducing fire risk while enabling faster ion movement for quicker charging.
The technology addresses two major EV adoption barriers – charging time and driving range.
Mercedes demonstrated the potential last September when an experimental solid-state battery powered an EQS sedan for 749 miles from Stuttgart to Malmö on a single charge.
Chinese automaker BYD has researched solid-state batteries since 2013 and plans to introduce them on premium vehicles next year. The world’s largest EV manufacturer will likely debut the technology under its Yangwang or Denza brands before expanding to mass-market models.
The race to commercialize solid-state batteries continues as companies work to overcome manufacturing challenges and prove long-term reliability in real-world conditions.
