The Donut Battery – What’s Behind This New Technology?

Battery technology is rapidly evolving, and one of the most intriguing innovations is the Donut Battery, developed by the Finnish startup Donut Lab. This solid-state battery claims to offer faster charging times and a significantly higher energy density, positioning itself as a potential game-changer in the battery cosmos. Find everything you need to know about the Donut Battery in this blog article.

Who is behind Donut Lab?

Donut Lab was founded in 2024 by Marko Lehtimäki, a former CTO and co-founder of Verge Motorcycles, from which Donut Lab was spun off. The company is legally headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, however, it maintains most operations and teams in Helsinki with additional R&D activities in the UK. In 2025, the start-up raised a total of EUR 15 million in funding. Anchor investor in the last founding round was Risto Siilasmaa, former chairman of Nokia and one of Finland’s most successful technology experts, who has recently also been appointed to the company’s board.

What is the Donut Battery?

The Donut Battery is touted as the world’s first solid-state battery ready for mass production. Unlike traditional batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries employ solid materials, such as ceramics or polymers. These battery materials support higher energy density and faster charging capabilities. Its toroidal (“donut-shaped”) cell design shortens ion pathways and improves thermal management.

What are the Advantages?

The Donut Battery promises an impressive energy density of over 400 watt-hours per kilogram, which is double that of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, it claims to achieve 80% charge in under five minutes and maintain over 99% capacity even at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. These features suggest that the Donut Battery could revolutionize the way we think about electric vehicle charging and longevity. Experts also believe that the performance gains could make electric cars more appealing and cost-effective for consumers.

Separating Facts from Hype

However, it is important to approach these claims with caution. Currently, there are no detailed specifications regarding the technology used in the Donut Battery, and independent testing has yet to confirm its performance. Critics point out that the assertions about low costs are unverified, and there is no factory or visible production facilities for the prototypes. This lack of transparency raises questions about the feasibility and reliability of the battery’s promises.

Final Thoughts

Despite these uncertainties, the potential benefits of solid-state technology are compelling. If Donut Lab can navigate the challenges of mass production and cost reduction, the Donut Battery could significantly lower the costs associated with electric vehicles. While it presents exciting possibilities for the future of electric mobility, its actual effectiveness remains unproven. As the company advances, it will be crucial to monitor developments and gather concrete evidence of its performance. Innovations like the Donut Battery could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the battery industry, but only time will tell.

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Further links:

• Video – World’s First All-Solid-State Battery in Production Vehicles, Donut Lab
• Let’s talk about Donut Lab’s solid-state batteries, MIT Technology Review