Finnish startup Donut Lab recently shared an Intertek laboratory report to address skepticism regarding its solid-state battery technology. The analysis, conducted via ICP-OES, measured lithium content at 3.4 ppm and sodium at 632 ppm in the provided samples. The company claims these results prove its battery chemistry does not rely on lithium or sodium.
However, the report faces criticism for its limited scope, as it only tested for two elements. Intertek noted that samples were provided by Donut Lab in a disassembled state, rather than as complete cells. Furthermore, the report did not analyze the electrolyte layer, which is critical for determining battery composition, and the laboratory stated that its interpretations fall outside the scope of UKAS accreditation.
These findings complicate the company's previous claims regarding its V1.5 cell, which VTT testing measured at an energy density of 409.3 Wh/kg. This density is comparable to advanced silicon-anode lithium-ion batteries, creating a discrepancy between the reported performance and the lack of lithium in the Intertek samples.
Donut Lab previously announced at CES in January that its battery was ready for OEM production, with Verge motorcycles expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026. As of late September, no mass-produced vehicles equipped with this technology have reached the road, and the company has acknowledged that the tested cells are not the final versions intended for customers.
