Finnish startup Donut Labs has announced a major breakthrough in energy storage, unveiling what it claims is the world’s first production-ready solid-state battery. The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, signaling a potential paradigm shift in battery technology that has long been pursued by industry giants.
The new technology, named the “Donut Battery,” promises to solve many of the limitations of current lithium-ion batteries, offering significant improvements in charging speed, energy density, and safety.
A Leap in Energy Density and Charging Speed
According to Donut Labs, its solid-state battery achieves an impressive energy density of 400 Wh/kg. This advancement allows for a full charge in just five to ten minutes, a dramatic reduction compared to the charging times of conventional electric vehicle and consumer electronics batteries.
The core innovation lies in replacing the flammable liquid electrolyte found in traditional batteries with a solid one. This not only enhances safety by virtually eliminating the risk of fire but also contributes to the battery’s exceptional durability.
From Lab to Production Line
Distinguishing itself from numerous lab-based prototypes that never reach the market, Donut Labs emphasized that its technology is already being implemented. The company has started integrating the Donut Battery into the production lines of electric vehicle manufacturer Verge Motorcycles.
This real-world application marks a significant milestone, suggesting the technology has moved beyond the experimental phase and is ready for commercial scaling. The success of a startup in reaching this stage ahead of established players like Toyota and Samsung has been noted by industry experts as a major surprise.
Why This Matters for MENA’s EV and Greentech Ambitions
While the innovation comes from Finland, its implications are global and particularly relevant for the MENA region. As countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt accelerate their transition to electric mobility and invest heavily in renewable energy, advanced energy storage is a critical bottleneck.
A safer, faster-charging, and more energy-dense battery could catalyze the adoption of EVs by addressing consumer concerns over range anxiety and charging times. Furthermore, this technology could be instrumental for large-scale energy storage projects linked to the region’s ambitious solar power initiatives, providing a more stable and efficient way to manage grid power. For MENA’s burgeoning greentech startups, this development signals a new technological frontier to build upon.
Industry Skepticism Remains
Despite the promising announcement, the tech community remains cautiously optimistic. A report by The Verge highlighted the industry’s history of over-promising and under-delivering on battery breakthroughs. Several companies have previously announced revolutionary battery technologies only to face bankruptcy or production hurdles.
Donut Labs now faces the critical test of delivering on its promises at scale and proving that its technology is both commercially viable and reliable in the coming months.
About Donut Labs
Donut Labs is a Finnish technology startup focused on developing next-generation battery solutions. The company has gained international attention for its development of a commercially ready solid-state battery, aiming to revolutionize energy storage for electric vehicles and other applications with enhanced safety, charging speed, and energy density.
Source: 24saa
