Donut Lab Unveils First Production‑Ready Solid‑State Battery, Powering 2026 Verge Motorcycles

Donut Lab has announced the launch of its first solid‑state battery that has moved beyond prototypes to production deployment. The 400 Wh kg± format is now installed in the Verge Motorcycles TS Pro and Ultra models that hit the road in Q1 2026, demonstrating real‑world performance that rivals, and in several metrics outpaces, contemporary lithium‑ion packs. The battery is a fully ceramic‑solid‑state cell that replaces the liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium‑ion packs. It achieves an energy density of 400 Wh kg±, a five‑minute charge cycle to full capacity, and a depth‑of‑discharge tolerance of 0–100 % without degradation. Scaling is built into the design, allowing the same cell chemistry to be manufactured in high volume with production yields comparable to existing lithium‑ion plants. Safety is the core of the chemistry. With no flammable liquid, no thermal runaway chains, and no metallic dendrites, the battery eliminates the root causes of fire and explosion that have historically plagued high‑performance packs. Thermal testing across the entire operating envelope—from −0°C to +100°C—shows retained capacity above 99 % and no signs of ignition or structural compromise. Longevity is another key differentiator. The design life of the Donut battery exceeds 100,000 charge cycles, a ten‑fold improvement over current lithium‑ion offerings and a significant cost‑saving over the lifecycle of motorbikes, drones, or power‑grid storage. Materials are chosen for abundance and geopolitical safety. The electrolyte and cathode stacks rely on inexpensive, widely available elements, avoiding the supply bottlenecks that accompany nickel, cobalt, and lithium. This material strategy not only reduces cost but also positions the technology for rapid adoption in emerging markets. The cellular geometry is modular, enabling manufacturers to tailor dimensions, voltage levels, and form factors to specific vehicle layouts. This flexibility has already been leveraged in Verge Motorcycles, where the battery unit serves concurrently as structural chassis, eliminating a separate battery enclosure and reducing overall vehicle weight. Across sectors, Donut Lab’s ecosystem showcases the versatility of the battery. Verge Motorcycles is the first production vehicle to use the technology, offering up to 600 km of range on a single charge and sub‑10‑minute charging sessions. WATTEV is deploying a modular skateboard platform that integrates the Donut Motor, in‑wheel inverter, and battery into a single aluminum chassis, paving the way for lightweight, multi‑purpose EVs. Cova Power’s smart trailers, developed in partnership with Ahola Group, report a 54 % reduction in diesel consumption and a 30 % drop in total energy use thanks to the efficient motor‑battery combination. In defense, ESOX Group is prototyping a four‑wheel tactical buggy and a next‑generation drone that rely on the battery’s high‑temperature tolerance and structural integration. Beyond transportation, the high cycle life and low cost open opportunities in data‑center energy storage, grid‑balancing solutions, and flexible charging hubs. Because the battery can be produced in a range of sizes and voltages, it is an attractive candidate for any application that demands durable, safe, and high‑density energy. Donut Lab’s first production‑ready solid‑state battery marks a pivotal moment for electric mobility. By delivering a safety‑first, high‑performance, and scalable energy solution that already powers road‑worthy motorcycles, the company demonstrates that solid‑state technology is no longer a futuristic concept but a tangible, commercial reality. With the groundwork set, the roadmap now extends to drones, defense platforms, and resilient grid infrastructure, redefining the limits of what's possible in sustainable energy.