New EV battery hits 80 % in about 5 minutes

Finland-based battery startup Donut Lab has released independent test results from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland showing its solid-state cell charging exceptionally fast.

In lab tests, the cell achieved 80 % charge in roughly 4.5 minutes at an extreme 11C rate and about 9.5 minutes at a 5C rate, both without active cooling systems. After fast charging, the cell retained over 98 % of its stored energy, suggesting minimal loss during rapid power input.

The tests were designed to stress the battery under “worst-case” conditions — without active temperature control — to challenge the startup’s earlier claims. Donut Lab highlights that this performance was achieved without complex cooling or high pressure, which sets it apart from many other solid-state designs that require elaborate thermal management.

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However, the key caveat is that these results apply to individual cells, not full battery packs installed in vehicles. Real-world EV packs typically need robust thermal management, safety mechanisms and additional validation before commercial use. Therefore, while the data suggests very fast charging may be possible, the technology still faces hurdles before it reaches mainstream EV models.

Independent testing like this follows intense industry skepticism about Donut Lab’s earlier claims that its technology was “technically impossible,” with critics saying some performance figures defied known battery chemistry limits. This validation helps address that debate but does not yet confirm all aspects of the company’s broader claims.

In the wider EV ecosystem, faster charging solutions are a major focus. Other firms and automakers — including BYD’s megawatt-charging systems and startups like Nyobolt with fast-charge cells — are also aiming to reduce EV charging times closer to traditional fuel stops, though most remain in development or early testing phases.