Donut Lab, a Finnish startup, made headlines earlier this year with the promise of a major breakthrough in solid-state battery technology. The company claimed to have developed a production-ready battery that could charge at lightning speed without the drawbacks of traditional lithium-ion batteries. To back up their claims, Donut Lab enlisted the help of the state-owned VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to conduct independent tests on their battery.
The results of the test were impressive. The battery was able to charge from 0-80 percent in just 9.5 minutes while retaining 100 percent of its capacity. In some tests, the charging time was even faster, at around 4.5 minutes, with a 99 percent capacity retention. These charging speeds far surpass those of traditional lithium-ion batteries, which can take up to 30-40 minutes to charge.
Solid-state batteries are often hailed as the “holy grail” of battery technology due to their potential for faster charging, higher energy density, and improved safety. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries use solid conductive materials that eliminate the risk of thermal runaway and increase energy storage capacity.
One of the key findings of the test was the battery’s ability to maintain nearly 100 percent of its energy potential even under rapid charging conditions. This could revolutionize the EV charging experience, reducing it from a lengthy process to a quick pit stop similar to refueling at a gas station.
The test also evaluated the battery’s thermal behavior, using passive cooling systems instead of active cooling systems typically found in EV batteries. Despite some initial hiccups with overheating, the researchers were able to optimize the cooling system to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Donut Lab’s solid-state battery boasts impressive specs, with a capacity of 26Ah and 94Wh of nominal energy, delivering 400 watt-hours per kilogram. This is significantly higher than the energy density of most lithium-ion batteries on the market today. The company claims that the battery can last over 100,000 cycles, far surpassing the lifespan of current lithium-ion batteries.
While the test results are promising, there are still some questions that remain unanswered. The chemistry of the battery and potential issues like dendrite formation were not addressed in the test. Donut Lab has promised to release further independent test results as part of their “I Donut Believe” series to address these concerns.
Overall, Donut Lab’s solid-state battery represents a significant advancement in battery technology, with the potential to revolutionize the EV industry. With faster charging times, higher energy density, and improved safety, this battery could be a game-changer for electric vehicles in the future.