The “Holy Grail” of electric vehicles has long been a battery that charges as fast as filling a gas tank. At CES 2026, a Finnish startup called Donut Lab shocked the industry by claiming they’ve done it. Their new all-solid-state battery (ASSB) doesn’t just promise fast charging; it promises to change everything we know about EV longevity and safety.

FAQ: Breaking Down the Donut Battery

1. Can it really charge in 5 minutes?

According to Donut Lab’s official specs released this January, yes. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that must slow down (trickle charge) after reaching 80% to prevent overheating, this solid-state tech can maintain peak charging speeds all the way to 100%. In their partnership with Verge Motorcycles, they demonstrated adding 60km of range for every 1 minute of charging.

2. Is it safe? What about the “fire risk”?

One of the biggest advantages of Donut Lab’s battery is the removal of flammable liquid electrolytes. It uses a solid-state electrolyte, which means:

• No Thermal Runaway: It won’t catch fire even if punctured or overheated.
• Extreme Weather Resilience: It retains 99% of its capacity even in freezing temperatures of -30°C and remains stable above 100°C.

3. How long will this battery last?

The numbers are staggering. Donut Lab claims a lifespan of 100,000 cycles. To put that in perspective:

• If you charge your vehicle once a day, the battery could theoretically last for 270 years.
• For an average EV, this translates to a total driving life of millions of kilometers—far outlasting the car itself.

4. When can I actually buy a vehicle with this battery?

This isn’t just a “lab concept.” Donut Lab has announced that its batteries are production-ready. The first vehicles to hit the road with this tech will be the Verge Motorcycles (TS Pro and Ultra models), with deliveries starting in Q1 2026.

While we should always remain cautiously optimistic with new tech, Donut Lab has moved the needle closer to mass-market reality. If their 5-minute charging claim holds up in real-world public charging stations this year, the primary barrier to EV adoption—charging time—will officially be a thing of the past.

Transparency & Trust: > Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and reflects the latest 2026 industry announcements from CES. I am an independent researcher, not a battery engineer or financial advisor. Always verify technical claims with official manufacturer data before making investment or purchase decisions.

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Sources:

• InsideEVs – Donut Lab 5-Minute Charging Specs
• Donut Lab Official – All-Solid-State Battery Tech
• Autoweek – CES 2026 Energy Innovations