Donut Lab Battery Samples Tested by Intertek
Testing results showed trace amounts of lithium in battery components submitted by the Finnish startup.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Live Poll
Do you trust claims about new technology from startups that lack verifiable, independent proof?
An Intertek laboratory report identified 3.4 ppm of lithium and 632 ppm of sodium in battery samples provided by Donut Lab. The company previously claimed its technology was distinct from standard lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries.
Why it matters
Donut Lab aims to prove its V1.5 cell technology represents a unique energy storage chemistry. Establishing this chemical profile is a critical step for the firm as it positions its product for potential use in original equipment manufacturing.
Intertek analysts detected 3.4 ppm of lithium and 632 ppm of sodium using ICP-OES after digesting the anode, cathode, and current collector in 50 ml of nitric acid.
The players
Donut Lab
A startup based in Finland that is developing advanced battery cell technology for the automotive industry.
Intertek
A multinational assurance, inspection, product testing, and certification company that operates a laboratory in Wilton, UK.
VTT
A research organization that previously performed testing on the performance metrics of the Donut Lab battery.
The details
Donut Lab delivered disassembled battery samples to the Intertek lab in Wilton, UK, for verification. While the firm suggested the results confirm the battery is neither lithium-ion nor sodium-ion, the samples were provided in a pre-disassembled state.
Timeline
January 2026: Donut Lab claimed its battery was ready for OEM manufacturing and in production.
June 2026: Researchers observed the cell exhibiting behavior consistent with lithium-ion technology.
September 17, 2026: Intertek issued the initial testing report.
September 21-22, 2026: Intertek released revisions to the laboratory report.
September 2026: VTT measured an energy density of 409.3 Wh/kg for the Donut V1.5 cell.
Roadmap
The automotive industry is currently navigating a transition toward high-density energy storage beyond traditional lithium-ion battery chemistry. This testing reflects the broader struggle among startups to validate novel cell architectures for integration into competitive vehicle platforms.
Current electric vehicle owners and prospective buyers remain unaffected as no production vehicle currently utilizes the Donut Lab battery. The availability of this technology for consumer cars remains speculative until the company secures partnerships for manufacturing and integration.
The takeaway
The verification of battery chemistry is a rigorous process that requires transparent access to full, assembled cells. Investors and manufacturers must differentiate between self-reported production claims and verified third-party laboratory data when assessing new energy solutions.
Further reading
For more information on the latest innovations in battery performance, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrek.
Live Poll
Do you trust claims about new technology from startups that lack verifiable, independent proof?
