Investigation finds Donut Lab made false claims about revolutionary battery technology

The Donut battery, marketed as the power source behind the Verge TS Pro motorcycle, would have been a “pioneer” bringing this new battery technology to a production-ready electric vehicle. At CES 2026, Donut Lab’s phone-sized powerhouse was even a finalist for category, where we noted that the cell promised “Huge improvements in energy density, charging speed and security.”

But he now appears like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The battery would use existing lithium-ion technology, not solid-state sodium-ion chemistry, according to new reports following an investigation by battery researcher Ryan Inis Hughes, known for his YouTube channel Ziroth.

Hughes, along with a team of more than 20 specialists, presented electrochemical evidence, including voltage curves and cell expansion data, that conclusively identifies that the battery is lithium-ion. In his YouTube video, Hughes interviews a battery industry executive who had relationships with companies developing Donut Lab’s promising technology. Hughes also consulted with battery experts on the company’s claims, such as the Donut battery’s claimed 400 watt-hour per kilogram energy density – a “Holy Grail” a milestone for batteries – and its lifespan of 100,000 cycles.

A representative for Donut Lab did not immediately return a request for comment.

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Skepticism and investigation

Hughes’ new research confirms doubts raised by media outlets covering the electric vehicle and battery industries, including Electrek, which published a story in mid-April about a whistleblower who came forward to say Donut Lab’s product was a fraud. Electrek also interviewed Donut Lab CEO Marko Lehtimäki in January, noting in a headline that the company’s leader would either be proven a world changer or a fool within a few months.

Fred Lambert, editor-in-chief of Electrek, now notes that the site “I called this one earlier,” adding that the investigation reveals obvious lies regarding the manufacturing and shipping of the battery. According to Lambert, Donut Lab also misled investors by inflating its valuation. “The company raised about $25 million from more than 1,300 investors, mostly small investors, based on claims that now appear false,” he wrote.

A closer look at Donut Lab allows comparisons to be made to the when founder Elizabeth Holmes falsified information about her blood testing startup. She was ultimately sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Media outlets like Electrek have come out in support of the Hughes investigation. The Verge and AutoEvolution also published articles on the investigation’s findings.

Solid state or lithium-ion

A solid-state battery, as promised by Donut Lab, would solve many of the problems associated with lithium-ion batteries. On the one hand, it would not be subject to risks of overheating and fire because it would not use flammable materials. With denser technology, the hope was that a solid-state battery platform could usher in faster charging speeds, longer battery life and increased range for electric vehicles.

Companies including Toyota are actively working on this technology, but no major manufacturer has declared anything production ready like Donut Lab has.

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Omar Gallaga has covered technology, digital culture and other topics for outlets including CNET, NPR, WIRED, Texas Monthly, MSNBC, Consumer Reports, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic and Austin American-Statesman, where he was a longtime reporter, editor and podcaster. He lives in the Texas Hill Country.

Article updated June 9, 2026 at 2:56 p.m. PDT

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Omar Gallaga has covered technology, digital culture and other topics for outlets including CNET, NPR, WIRED, Texas Monthly, MSNBC, Consumer Reports, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic and Austin American-Statesman, where he was a longtime reporter, editor and podcaster. He lives in the Texas Hill Country.