Donut Lab says its 400 Wh per kg solid-state battery is production-ready for OEMs, with Verge Motorcycles set to deploy it in current models by Q1 2026.
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Donut Lab claims 400 Wh/kg solid-state battery ready for OEM production
Donut Lab announced at CES that its all-solid-state battery, with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, is ready for production vehicles and will power Verge Motorcycles’ current lineup, including the Verge TS Pro and Ultra, with road deployments planned for the first quarter of 2026. The claim moves solid-state chemistry from a long-running goal into a commercially available power source for motorcycles and, potentially, cars.
The stakes are clear when you look at the long-standing challenges of electric propulsion. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, which can limit energy density and pose safety concerns. Solid-state designs substitute a solid electrolyte that, in theory, can store more energy in the same weight and reduce flammability. If Donut Lab’s numbers hold up under independent testing, that could actually mean longer range, lighter packs, and safer operation in real-world EVs. But turning lab results into mass production isn't easy, and many solid-state programs have hit delays and scale-up hurdles.
From a technology standpoint, the press materials frame this as a production-ready solution rather than a research milestone. Donut Lab asserts that the battery can slot into existing OEM supply chains and vehicle lines, with Verge Motorcycles set to field the technology in its current models. In plain terms, this is the moment a solid-state concept crosses from theory to something an automaker could assemble at scale, at least in principle. The real test will be how the pack performs across hundreds of thousands of charge cycles under varied riding conditions. The company frames the milestone as a competitive move. Marko Lehtimäki, the CEO of Donut Lab, says, "While the advantages are obvious, the future of solid state batteries has been a moving target constantly delayed when companies working in electrification are asked about when they will become a reality." The press material attributes this sentiment to Lehtimäki and positions Donut Lab as delivering on that promise by bringing a solid-state battery to market today.
Independent confirmation and long-term performance remain questions. A single press release can announce a capability, but automakers, suppliers, and researchers will want third-party validation on energy density, cycle life, charging speed, temperature resilience, and safety margins across real driving conditions. The Verge Motorcycles partnership gives a real test bed, but the broader EV industry will look for detailed data, independent lab results, and, ideally peer‑reviewed publication before wide adoption. In the meantime, the claim of 400 Wh/kg sets a high bar for competing solid-state programs.
If validated, the implications go beyond motorcycles. A true 400 Wh/kg solid-state battery ready for OEM production could tilt the economics and practicality of electrification, enabling longer ranges with lighter packs and perhaps simplifying thermal management. For everyday use, that means more electric miles between charges and more chances to move away from fossil fuels in transportation. It could also influence charging infrastructure, battery pricing, and how makers design platforms for future models. Getting to full production still hinges on rigorous testing and transparent data, but Donut Lab’s announcement signals a renewed push toward scalable solid-state energy storage.
For readers who want to follow the story in context, you can review Donut Lab’s official CES announcement and its stated milestones, including Verge Motorcycles’ lineup and the Q1 2026 on‑road plan, here: Donut Lab CES battery announcement. Verge Motorcycles’ involvement anchors the practical side of the claim; you can learn more about their motorcycles here: Verge Motorcycles. For readers seeking background on solid‑state batteries and their place in current research and policy, see the Oak Ridge National Laboratory overview of solid‑state batteries: ORNL solid‑state batteries, and the Department of Energy's broader discussion of solid‑state battery research: DOE solid‑state batteries. For a broader scientific perspective on solid‑state battery development in reputable journals, visit Nature Energy’s coverage of solid‑state batteries.