Finnish Battery Charges EVs in 5 Minutes, Lasts 100K Cycles

Imagine charging your electric vehicle faster than pumping gas and never worrying about battery replacement again. That future just became real.

Finnish startup Donut Lab released independent test results confirming their solid-state battery delivers on seemingly impossible promises: full charge in five minutes, 400 Wh/kg energy density, and up to 100,000 charging cycles. The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland verified the results, silencing skeptics who thought the January announcement was too good to be true.

The company is publishing the full technical reports and video series on their website starting February 23rd. This transparency marks a sharp contrast to other battery announcements that fade into vaporware.

European motorcycle maker Verge Motorcycles is already putting the batteries into production models. The Verge TS Pro and Ultra bikes will deliver up to 370 miles of range, with 186 miles charging in just ten minutes. Deliveries to customers begin within months.

The breakthrough solves problems that have plagued electric vehicles for years. Traditional lithium-ion batteries degrade over time and can catch fire due to dendrite growth, those fern-like structures that form in liquid electrolytes. Donut Lab's solid-state design eliminates both issues entirely.

Extreme temperature testing showed remarkable resilience. At negative 30 degrees Celsius, the battery retained over 99% capacity. Even when heated past 100 degrees Celsius, it kept performing with no signs of catching fire or degrading.

The materials matter too. Donut Lab built the battery entirely from abundant, affordable materials without rare or geopolitically sensitive elements. The company claims lower costs than current lithium-ion batteries while avoiding environmental and ethical supply chain complications.

The Ripple Effect

Verge kept the price of their upgraded motorcycles unchanged despite the revolutionary battery upgrade. This cost stability signals that solid-state technology won't be a luxury feature reserved for expensive vehicles.

Donut Lab's modular platform approach could accelerate adoption across vehicle types. Their integrated hardware and software stack includes motors, battery modules, control units, and vehicle software designed to work seamlessly together. The in-wheel Donut Motor eliminates gearboxes, driveshafts, and differentials, simplifying vehicle design while boosting efficiency.

The timing couldn't be better for global EV adoption. While some markets face uncertainty, a recent JD Power survey shows the vast majority of current EV drivers plan to buy or lease another electric vehicle. Consumer satisfaction with EVs remains strong even as policy winds shift.

Motorcycle riders will experience the future first, but four-wheeled vehicles appear next on Donut Lab's roadmap. The platform's flexibility means the same technology could power everything from compact cars to delivery trucks.

The battery revolution isn't coming someday; it's shipping to customers in weeks.