Slažem se, zvuči jako predobro, takoreći niotkuda. Kvake sigurno ima, naravno da je nisu rekli, tek ćemo doznati koja je. Meni je "čvrsta točka" firma koja donut motorima i tim baterijama nadograđuje postojeće kamionske prikolice. To mi djeluje kao nešto što nije teško provjeriti.

Tesla beat this!!

www.facebook.com/reel/908900071565519

dpasaric kaže:


nije muljo mate nego caca mu

Naišao na ovo na temu ovih baterija tj. tehnologije iza njih. Ovdje je link na kompletan članak. Kako ni sam ne volim šetati okolo, dolje je c/p kompletnog članka, zajedno sa referencama.

x.com/LinusEkenstam/status/2008643160017453395?s=20

The future of Battery Technology – A complete deep dive into Donut Labs, Nordic Nano Group + more

This will be quite a deep dive. I wanted to see if I could locate with the help of my AI researchers, and team members more info about the Donut Labs Solid State Battery. What I found almost surprised me more than the battery itself. It lead me to Nordic Nano Group Oy. So lets start there.
Corporate Overview and Ownership
Nordic Nano Group Oy is a Finnish renewable energy startup founded in early 2024 by Esa Parjanen (CEO), Mattipekka Kronqvist (Chairman), Jarkko Aro (COO), and others. The company’s legal name is Nordic Nano Group Oy, and it is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland (Tallberginkatu 2) with a production site in Imatra, Finland.
It is privately held; the co-founders are major stakeholders, and strategic investors have joined as the company has grown. In July 2025, e-mobility firm Donut Lab Oy made a significant equity investment, strengthening a long-standing partnership. Donut Lab’s CEO Marko Lehtimäki, previously an early backer of Nordic Nano, joined Nordic Nano’s board of directors following this investment. Other support has come via public funding and incubators: for example, Nordic Nano secured a €2.98 million grant from the EU’s Just Transition Fund (channeled through the Häme ELY Centre) in 2025 to equip its Imatra factory.
Additional non-dilutive funding and R&D support have been provided by Business Finland and the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) Finland.
As of late 2025, Nordic Nano has no known subsidiaries; rather, it functions as a single group entity focusing on core R&D and production, while collaborating with partners and investors for commercialization. Key executives include CEO Esa Parjanen, CCO Lauri Peltola, COO Jarkko Aro, Chief Scientist Dr. Bela Bhuskute, and other partners heading corporate relations and supply chain functions.
Nanomaterial Technology (“Nano Clay”/“Nanomass”)
Nordic Nano’s innovation centers on a proprietary nanomaterial composite – sometimes informally referred to as a “nano clay” or “nanomass” – that is the basis for its energy devices. In reality, this material is a carbon-based nanocomposite engineered for exceptional performance and sustainability. The company describes it as a “nanocarbon” material combining the high tensile strength of carbon nanotubes with the flexibility of graphene. The nanomaterial is produced and applied through an advanced screen-printing process, allowing it to be deposited as thin, functional layers on various substrates. In essence, Nordic Nano “prints” its battery cells and solar coatings from a slurry of nano-engineered ink – a technique sometimes dubbed nanoprinting.
A key feature of the material is that it contains no toxic or rare elements: it is free of lithium, cobalt, lead, or rare-earth metals. Instead, it utilizes abundant, environmentally benign ingredients, reportedly including sodium for energy storage chemistry, along with carbon and other common elements. This eliminates reliance on geopolitically sensitive supply chains and heavy metals, aligning with the company’s sustainability ethos.
Composition & Structure: While proprietary details are closely guarded, the nanomaterial appears to be a composite matrix of carbon nanostructures (nanotubes/graphene) combined with functional metal oxides or other nanoparticles. Nordic Nano’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Bela Bhuskute, has an academic background in titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanomaterials; her doctoral research focused on TiO₂-based photocatalytic nanoparticles and thin films for solar energy conversion.
This suggests that TiO₂ or similar metal-oxide nanostructures could be part of Nordic Nano’s material (for example, titania is known to be useful in battery electrodes and photocatalysis). However, the company’s public messaging emphasizes “quantum and nanocarbon technology” , indicating that quantum-scale effects (perhaps quantum dots or novel semiconductors) and carbon nanomaterials are at the core. The result is a lightweight, printable film or paste that can serve as the active layer in both solar cells and battery cells.
The material is described as non-toxic, solid-state, and thermally stable, maintaining structural integrity and performance even under stress. For instance, carbon nanotubes impart mechanical strength and conductivity, while graphene provides flexibility and thermal stability. This nanocomposite can be screen-printed onto surfaces, enabling roll-to-roll manufacturing of energy devices. There is a another Finnish company doing work in this area too,
Skeleton Tech
.
Production Process: Nordic Nano’s production involves screen printing a nano-infused “ink” onto substrates to build functional layers. This is effectively an additive manufacturing approach to energy devices. In batteries, the printed layers would include the nanocarbon composite as electrodes and possibly as a solid electrolyte matrix, creating a fully solid-state cell. The printing process is a German-origin technology (discussed in detail below) adapted by Nordic Nano. It allows for custom shapes and integration of the cells into various form factors. Notably, Donut Lab has stated that the batteries can be produced in bespoke geometries – even as structural components – thanks to this printing method.
The ability to “print” the cells in different shapes (for example, conformal battery films, or battery layers integrated into vehicle chassis or drone bodies) is a significant advantage of the technology. The manufacturing is also scalable; the company claims its nanoprinted cells are “trivially scalable” to mass production volumes, unlike many lab-bound nanotechnologies. Nordic Nano has scaled from laboratory proof-of-concept to pilot production within 2024–2025, and its Imatra factory is set up for high-throughput printing of these nano-material energy devices.
Performance Characteristics (Energy Storage): The most eye-catching claims of Nordic Nano’s technology relate to its battery performance. The company (via its partner Donut Lab) unveiled an all-solid-state battery in January 2026 with unprecedented specifications: an energy density of ~400 Wh/kg, ultra-fast charging (~5 minutes for 0–100% charge), and an extraordinary cycle life of up to 100,000 charge cycles (skeleton tech says 1 million charge cycles for their batteries).
These figures far exceed conventional lithium-ion batteries (for comparison, state-of-the-art Li-ion cells have ~250–300 Wh/kg, charging times of 30+ minutes for 80%, and cycle life on the order of 1–3 thousand cycles). Nordic Nano’s solid-state cell uses no liquid electrolyte and thus avoids issues like thermal runaway and dendrite formation; it is inherently non-flammable and safe. Testing has shown extreme thermal resilience: the cells retain >99% of their capacity even at frigid temperatures of –30 °C, and remain stable above 100 °C – operating without ignition or degradation. Such thermal performance is critical for both automotive and aerospace uses. Additionally, the cells can be fully discharged and charged repeatedly without damage, unlike typical batteries that require partial cycling for longevity. In effect, Nordic Nano’s battery behaves somewhat like a hybrid of a supercapacitor and a high-energy battery – offering fast kinetics and longevity alongside high energy storage.
All of this is achieved without using lithium or cobalt; instead, the chemistry is believed to be sodium-ion based (sodium being abundant and allowing fast ion transport in certain solid-state structures) . The solid electrolyte and electrode materials are likely derived from nanostructured oxides or ceramics combined with the conductive carbon network – yielding a battery cell that is entirely solid and printed in thin layers.
These performance claims were demonstrated publicly in 2025–2026. For example, an electric motorcycle equipped with Nordic Nano’s battery tech can charge to 80% in under 10 minutes and achieve up to 600 km range on a single charge. The battery’s fire safety was also highlighted: with no organic electrolytes, the risk of fire or explosion is essentially eliminated . Such attributes make the technology especially attractive for electric vehicles (where safety and fast charging are paramount) and for large-scale storage (where longevity and safety lower the total cost).
Performance Characteristics (Solar & Other Uses): Beyond batteries, the same nanomaterial platform is used for solar energy harvesting. Nordic Nano produces solar panel coatings and films that can capture a broad spectrum of light, including diffuse and low-angle sunlight. These nano-based photovoltaic (PV) coatings can be applied to surfaces like building roofs, walls, and windows, effectively turning them into solar generators.
Because of their nanostructured design, these solar films absorb wavelengths from ultraviolet through visible to infrared, enabling power generation even on cloudy days or indoors where light is indirect. The films are also lightweight and flexible (since they use printed nanomaterials instead of heavy silicon wafers), and can be made partially light-transmitting (semi-transparent) – useful for window applications or vehicle integration. The company has indicated that these coatings can be installed on infrastructure without the weight and rigidity limitations of traditional solar panels. In terms of efficiency, while no exact figures are given publicly, Nordic Nano has stated their nano-based solar cells can harvest roughly twice as much energy under certain conditions as equivalent-area silicon cells, thanks to capturing scattered light that silicon misses.
Nordic Nano’s technology portfolio also extends to hydrogen and “solar fuel” applications. The company’s mission includes hydrogen production, which ties in with Dr. Bhuskute’s research on artificial photosynthesis. By leveraging photocatalytic nanomaterials (like TiO₂ with co-catalysts) and advanced solar coatings, Nordic Nano aims to produce green hydrogen from sunlight and water. This could involve panels that generate hydrogen (via water-splitting reactions) instead of electricity – a form of solar fuel generator. While details are scarce, the inclusion of hydrogen in their focus suggests photocatalytic panels or membrane reactors could be an R&D direction. Indeed, Dr. Bhuskute’s work demonstrated improved solar-to-hydrogen conversion using nano-TiO₂ and advanced thin films, aligning with Nordic Nano’s goal of sustainable hydrogen production. Such technology might be used for on-site hydrogen generation (for example, “artificial leaf” panels that produce hydrogen gas under sunlight ). Besides hydrogen, the nanomaterials being developed have potential cross-industry uses: e.g. water purification and antimicrobial coatings (as noted in the doctoral research) , though these are likely longer-term opportunities rather than current products.
In summary, Nordic Nano’s nanomaterial (“nanomass”) is a versatile carbon-based composite printed into energy devices. It yields solid-state batteries with exceptional energy density, ultra-fast charging, and extreme longevity, and enables solar films that capture diffuse light. The material is produced with a low environmental footprint (no toxic ingredients) and is designed for scalability and integration into many forms, from vehicle batteries to building materials. This combination of attributes – high performance, safety, sustainability, and flexibility – is what makes the company’s technology platform notable .
Patent Portfolio and Intellectual Property
Despite the groundbreaking nature of its technology, Nordic Nano Group has no publicly disclosed patents to date (either filed or granted) under its name or that of its principals, as of early 2026. A search of patent databases and public records yields no patent applications assigned to Nordic Nano Group Oy. This absence has been remarked upon by industry observers – given the bold claims, one might expect patent filings; however, none have been found in the public domain.
In online discussions, skeptics have noted the lack of any patent publications or granted patents associated with Nordic Nano or its partner Donut Lab, suggesting that if the technology is genuine, the inventors may be keeping it as trade secret or are in very early stages of IP protection. It is possible that patent applications exist but remain unpublished (patent applications generally publish ~18 months after filing), especially if filings were made in late 2024 or 2025 – these might not be visible yet.
To date, the only related intellectual property identifiable is the background research of team members and any IP from the German side (discussed below). For instance, Dr. Bhuskute’s startup Plasmonics Oy (which she co-founded during her PhD work) could hold some IP in photocatalysis, but there’s no clear link that Plasmonics’ patents, if any, are being used by Nordic Nano. Likewise, Donut Lab has not announced any patents on the “Donut Battery” either. The German-developed printing technology that Nordic Nano uses may have been patented by its original developers in Germany, but those patents are not held by Nordic Nano itself (and the specifics aren’t publicly disclosed).
In summary, as of now Nordic Nano’s patent portfolio appears to be either nonexistent or not public. The company likely relies on a combination of trade secrets (keeping their materials formulation and process confidential) and rapid execution to stay ahead, at least until formal patents can be secured. (It’s worth noting that Nordic Nano was founded in 2024 – a relatively short time ago – and often startups file patents a bit later once the core tech is validated and before product launch. We may yet see PCT or national filings in 2026.) Any international patent filings would similarly become apparent only when published. If Nordic Nano’s technology originated from a German entity, that entity might hold foundational patents; Nordic Nano’s rights could then come from a license or assignment, but again no such documents are known publicly. The conspicuous lack of published patents or scientific papers has drawn some criticism in the technical community, with commentators urging caution until the claims are independently verified.
(For thoroughness: a user on a battery forum noted “I could not find a single peer-reviewed paper or relevant patent” for Nordic Nano’s solid-state battery. This suggests that if any patent filings exist, they are likely still unpublished or filed under different names. We have checked major patent databases (WIPO, EPO Espacenet, USPTO) for “Nordic Nano” and key personnel names with no results.)
Scientific Publications and White Papers
Nordic Nano is a private company, and thus far it has not released technical white papers or peer-reviewed publications under its own name about its nanomaterial. The scientific background for the technology, however, can be gleaned from the work of its team and collaborators.
Doctoral Research: Dr. Bela Bhuskute (Nordic Nano’s Chief Scientist) completed a Ph.D. in 2025 on “TiO₂-based Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Production.” In her dissertation and related papers, she explored nano-engineered titanium dioxide materials for efficient light-driven hydrogen production. This research contributed to understanding how nanomaterials can broaden light absorption and improve charge separation – principles that are applicable to Nordic Nano’s solar coatings and potentially even its battery chemistry.
The dissertation highlights using TiO₂ nanoparticles and atomic-layer-deposited films to harness a broader solar spectrum and drive reactions like water splitting. The knowledge from this work aligns with Nordic Nano’s goals in hydrogen and solar technology, and indeed the company proudly announced Dr. Bhuskute’s thesis defense, noting that her findings on nanomaterials will feed into Nordic Nano’s product development. (Her doctoral work was supported by several Finnish foundations and even Nordic Nano itself, indicating a direct link between her research and the company’s R&D
Academic Publications: Beyond the thesis, any specific journal papers by Dr. Bhuskute or others (e.g., on TiO₂ or nanocarbon materials) would count as related literature. For example, photocatalysis and battery literature shows TiO₂ and graphene can be combined for improved electrode performance (one commenter linked an ACS Applied Energy Materials article on TiO₂/graphene in batteries). While those particular papers were not authored by Nordic Nano staff, they provide context that titania and nanocarbon hybrids are a known research direction for enhancing battery anodes and photocatalytic efficiency.
No Company White Papers (Yet): Nordic Nano has not publicly released a technical white paper detailing TitanB or any “nano clay” composition. The company’s website focuses on high-level technology descriptions and impact, rather than disclosing technical data. Similarly, no conference presentations by the company have been publicized. It appears the firm operated in stealth through 2024, then unveiled results directly via product announcements (through Donut Lab and media at CES 2026) rather than prior publications. This strategy, while unusual in academia, is not uncommon for startups wanting to protect IP or make a big splash with a finished product.
Media and Press: The primary “publications” so far are press releases and news features. Finland’s largest daily, Helsingin Sanomat, ran a feature on Nordic Nano in November 2025 as “a glimmer of hope” in the energy sector (as noted on the company site) – though the content of that article isn’t provided on the site, it likely highlighted the company’s promise. Local newspapers (Etelä-Saimaa, Uutisvuoksi) and YLE (Finnish Broadcasting) have covered Nordic Nano’s factory plans and funding in late 2024 and 2025. These pieces, while not scientific papers, do provide tidbits of technical information (for instance, YLE’s report confirmed the use of “suomalaista materiaalitutkimusta sekä saksalaista printtausteknologiaa” – Finnish materials research and German printing tech ). Nordic Nano also joined the ESA BIC incubator in mid-2025, and any pitch documents or demo day presentations from that program might contain technical insights, but those are typically not publicly available.
In conclusion, the body of scientific literature directly tied to Nordic Nano’s nanomaterial is limited at this time. The company’s approach has been to build on established nanotechnology research (like CNT/graphene composites and metal-oxide nanomaterials) rather than publish new scientific findings themselves. The most concrete publication related to their work is Dr. Bhuskute’s PhD dissertation (Tampere University, 2025) which provides a window into the advanced nanomaterials underpinning Nordic Nano’s solutions. Outside observers have noted the lack of peer-reviewed validation, which means the broader scientific community has yet to independently review or confirm the performance of Nordic Nano’s nano-clay material. This will likely change as the company moves from prototype to production – we can expect that performance data might be presented at industry conferences or in patents in the near future.
German-Origin Technology Foundation
One intriguing aspect of Nordic Nano’s story is the German origin of its core technology. The company’s breakthrough is not entirely developed from scratch in Finland; rather, it builds upon an innovation from Germany. According to Nordic Nano’s leadership, “the printing technology comes from Germany, as did the [nanomaterial] at first” . In practical terms, this implies that a German company, institute, or inventor had developed a nanoprinting process and a nano-material formulation, which Nordic Nano then adopted and further refined. Specifically, CEO Esa Parjanen has stated that Nordic Nano “utilises Finnish materials research as well as German printing technology” in its operations. CCO Lauri Peltola explained that the goal is to “combine German nanoprinting technology and Finnish material technology” to manufacture new products like solid-state battery cells with huge charge cycle capacity and light-transmitting solar films .
While the exact German entity is not explicitly named in public sources, the context provides some clues. The technology in question involves advanced screen-printing of nanomaterials for energy devices. Germany has strong research in printed electronics and batteries (for example, institutes like Fraunhofer, and companies/startups focusing on printed batteries or solar cells). It is possible that Nordic Nano’s printing hardware or process was licensed from a German equipment manufacturer or developed via a partnership with German engineers. Likewise, the “material” initially came from Germany – perhaps a particular nano-ink or a nano-additive that a German supplier provided. Early on, Nordic Nano likely imported this nano-ink from Germany before developing their own version through Finnish R&D . By late 2025, the company indicates that Finnish-led product development had “already well advanced”, suggesting they localized or co-invented improvements to the formula .
In essence, Germany provided the foundation: a proven nanoprinting method (likely a type of high-precision screen printing or 3D printing at the nano-scale) and an initial nanomaterial recipe. Finland provided the enhancement, leveraging its materials science expertise (Finland has world-class research in nanocellulose, coatings, and battery materials) to elevate that technology to a competitive product. Nordic Nano’s team itself reflects this mix – Finnish engineers plus an international (Indian-educated) scientist (Bhuskute) with nanotech expertise, coming together to build on an imported idea.
As for how Nordic Nano obtained rights to the German technology: the phrasing suggests either a license or an acquisition. One scenario is that the founders (Parjanen, Kronqvist, Aro, et al.) identified a promising tech from Germany and secured an agreement to use it. Perhaps one of the co-founders had a connection in Germany or the tech was relatively under-commercialized, giving Nordic Nano an opportunity to be the one to commercialize it. The timeline fits: the company was established in early 2024 , and by October 2024 they announced the factory and cited the German printing tech – implying they had lined up the tech transfer quickly. It is also notable that screen-printable battery and solar technologies were being developed in various places; for example, some German startups and research groups have worked on printed solid-state batteries and perovskite solar films. Without concrete naming, we can only speculate, but possibilities include collaborations with institutes like Fraunhofer IWS (which works on printed batteries) or companies that had a prototype printed battery. Nordic Nano then built upon that foundation, integrating Finnish-developed materials (perhaps novel nano-carbon blends or binder formulations from Finnish labs) to improve performance and scalability .
To summarize, the German entity provided a crucial seed of innovation – a nanoprinting technology that could produce battery cells and coatings, along with initial nano-material knowhow. Nordic Nano integrated this with Finnish advancements to create its current proprietary tech. The company’s own statements highlight this cross-border innovation: “The printing technology comes from Germany… However, Finnish product development is already well advanced” . Thus, Nordic Nano’s technology can be seen as a Finnish-German hybrid: German-engineered printing hardware/process plus Finnish-engineered nano-material science. This international lineage not only gave Nordic Nano a head start (they did not have to reinvent the core process), but also means the company likely has formal agreements with the German source. However, because the specific German partner is not publicly named, one must infer that it could be a behind-the-scenes technology provider. It might be a small German tech firm or a research spin-off whose innovation is now being productized in Finland.
(If more information surfaces, one would detail the name of the German company or patent. As of now, we rely on Nordic Nano’s descriptions. It is noteworthy that the company stresses the competitive pricing of the technology, hinting that the German printing method is cost-effective, which was a selling point for adopting it.)
Partnerships and Strategic Relationships
Nordic Nano’s strategy involves working closely with industry partners to deploy its technology in real products. Some of the key partnerships and relationships include:
Donut Lab (Finland) – Strategic Investor & E-Mobility Partner. Donut Lab is a Helsinki-based electric mobility technology company, and it has become Nordic Nano’s most significant partner. In 2025, Donut Lab invested in Nordic Nano and brought the startup into its “Nordic Tech Cluster” for electrified transportation. This partnership is synergistic: Donut Lab develops high-performance electric drivetrains (like in-wheel motors) and needed cutting-edge battery solutions, while Nordic Nano provides the battery technology. Marko Lehtimäki (Donut Lab’s CEO) joined Nordic Nano’s board, indicating tight collaboration at the strategic level. Through Donut Lab, Nordic Nano’s batteries have been integrated into actual vehicles – most notably the Verge Motorcycles platform (described below). In October 2025, a joint press release highlighted that Donut Lab’s investment would “accelerate the scaling of Nordic Nano’s operations” and deepen technological collaboration. Donut Lab also sees Nordic Nano as a cornerstone of its vision for an interconnected electrification ecosystem, spanning land, sea, and air mobility. In effect, Donut Lab is both a customer and a promoter of Nordic Nano’s technology – they have branded it the “Donut Battery” for use in their projects. This relationship also provided Nordic Nano with credibility and access to automotive markets.
Verge Motorcycles (Finland) – First OEM Adopter. Verge Motorcycles, a manufacturer of high-end electric motorcycles (based in Finland), became the world’s first vehicle maker to use Nordic Nano’s solid-state battery in production. Through the Donut Lab partnership, Verge’s new TS Pro and Ultra bikes (announced at CES 2026) will be equipped with the nanoprinted solid-state battery packs. This is a landmark commercialization: it means Nordic Nano’s batteries have moved from lab to road. Verge’s involvement provides a high-performance use case – their bikes can leverage the lighter weight and fast-charging to offer consumers 600 km range and sub-10-minute charging, a major differentiator. The collaboration likely involves Nordic Nano supplying the battery cells or technology to Donut Lab, who assembles packs for Verge. This three-way relationship (Nordic Nano–Donut–Verge) shows how Nordic Nano is plugging into existing manufacturers rather than selling directly to consumers. Verge’s endorsement as “the first solid-state battery in a production vehicle” validates Nordic Nano’s tech on a global stage, and both companies have gained significant publicity from this launch. Verge Motorcycles also seems to be the owner of Donut Labs, but Donut acts as an independant RND partner.
Cova Power & Ahola Group (Finland) – Heavy Transport Initiative. Cova Power is a smart electric trailer joint venture launched by Donut Lab together with Ahola Group (a logistics/transport company). Nordic Nano was mentioned as part of Donut Lab’s international tech cluster which “already includes Cova Power – the smart trailer joint venture with Ahola Group” . This implies that Nordic Nano’s energy storage solutions are intended for heavy-duty applications as well, such as battery systems for electrified trucking (e.g., battery-equipped cargo trailers that can supply power). While details are sparse, it’s reasonable to expect that Nordic Nano will develop large-format solid-state cells or modules for Cova Power’s pilot programs. This partnership is strategic for entering the freight and logistics energy market, where durability and safety (no thermal runaway) are crucial. It also demonstrates that Nordic Nano’s tech is being scaled not just to bikes but to much larger systems.
European Space Agency (ESA) & Space Sector Partners – Incubation and Potential Partnerships. Nordic Nano joined the ESA BIC Finland incubator program in mid-2025, indicating plans to adapt its technology for space applications. As part of this, the company has engaged with established players in the space industry. Satellite manufacturers, for example, showed interest in the compact, lightweight, and non-explosive nature of Nordic Nano’s batteries. In space, battery safety (no risk of fire in oxygen-rich environments) and tolerance to extreme temperatures are vital, and Nordic Nano’s chemistry has those traits. The incubator provided a platform for introductions to major aerospace companies. Nordic Nano’s partners and suppliers being from EU/allied countries (no dependency on adversarial nations) also appeals to space and defense customers. While no specific aerospace partner has been publicly named, the involvement with ESA BIC suggests ongoing projects or prototypes for satellites, spacecraft, or high-altitude drones. We can anticipate potential partnerships with European satellite makers or defense contractors if the technology meets the necessary radiation-hardness and reliability standards in that sector. This is a strategic expansion beyond terrestrial markets.
Imatra Region & Academic Collaborations – Local Partnerships. Nordic Nano’s choice of Imatra for its production facility brought partnerships with local institutions. The City of Imatra and Imatra Region Development Company (KEHY) have actively supported Nordic Nano, helping it secure the factory site and regional funding. Imatra’s mayor has been an advocate, viewing Nordic Nano as a boon to a region affected by industrial decline and border closures. The company praises Imatra’s quick action in providing a suitable facility and a supportive business environment. Additionally, LUT University (Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology) is mentioned as a collaborator in product development. LUT, located in the same region, has strong research programs in energy storage and solar energy, so Nordic Nano likely taps into their expertise or equipment (for testing, simulations, etc.). Saimaa Vocational College Sampo is also noted for educational cooperation to train a workforce for the factory . These local partnerships ensure Nordic Nano has access to talent and research infrastructure near its manufacturing base.
Industry Networks – Nordic Nano has joined networks such as Greenreality (a Finnish cleantech network) and participated in forums like Cleantech Scandinavia’s Nordic Cleantech Open (where it was highlighted among top startups, possibly in 2024–25 competitions). Such networks provide connections to other companies and investors in the sustainable tech space. They are not direct commercial partnerships but help strategic positioning and knowledge exchange.
In summary, Nordic Nano’s strategy is heavily partnership-oriented: rather than selling batteries in isolation, it integrates into ecosystems led by others (Donut Lab for mobility, ESA for space, etc.). Donut Lab’s investment and cluster have been crucial, giving Nordic Nano a pathway to multiple sectors – from motorcycles to trucks to possibly marine or aviation (Donut Lab envisions use “on land, sea and in the air” for their platform). The partnerships also validate Nordic Nano’s credibility: having a real OEM (Verge) and projects in heavy transport and interest from space agencies lends weight to its claims. Going forward, we can expect Nordic Nano to forge additional partnerships in the renewable energy storage sector (e.g., grid or wind/solar farm storage providers) given their tech’s long cycle life, and possibly in consumer electronics (imagine solid-state batteries in power tools or laptops that last many years – the Donut Battery’s custom shape feature could be appealing here ). The company has essentially positioned itself as a B2B technology provider working with integrators and manufacturers to bring its nano-enabled energy solutions to end users.
Production Facilities, Strategy, and Target Industries
Production Capabilities: Nordic Nano is in the process of scaling from pilot production to mass manufacturing. The company’s primary production facility is in Imatra, Finland, at a site in the Teppanala district. The factory is a converted big-box store (a former “Laplandia” market building of about 3,800 m² floor space) that was repurposed for high-tech manufacturing with relatively minor modifications. The location was secured with the city’s support; zoning changes were approved in August 2024 to allow the factory, demonstrating swift local facilitation. By design, the facility includes large open production halls, loading docks, and ample yard space – all advantageous for quickly installing production lines. Imatra’s site is also near logistics channels (highway and the port of Kotka-Hamina not far away) which helps in shipping products or receiving materials.
Nordic Nano began initial production in 2025. According to the company, production of its battery cells and solar film coatings was slated to begin by spring 2025, following the startup of operations in Finland in 2024. Indeed, small-scale production runs were likely made to supply prototypes to partners (for example, to integrate batteries into the first Verge bikes and for internal testing). The entire initial production output of the Imatra factory was pre-sold in advance – a remarkable indicator of demand. This suggests that even before the factory went online, Nordic Nano had customers (or partners) contractually committed to buying the first batches of its products (likely Donut Lab/Verge and possibly others in pilot programs). The ramp-up plan was that mass production would commence by winter 2026 . In practical terms, this timeline aligns with fulfilling larger orders (Verge’s Q1 2026 deliveries and beyond).
While exact output capacity (e.g. megawatt-hours of batteries per year) hasn’t been disclosed, the scale can be inferred: the company spoke of employing hundreds of people in coming years for the Imatra plant . An investment of over €20 million was cited as required to reach full mass production, and as of late 2025 they had raised a combination of private and public funds toward this. The JTF grant (nearly €3 M) specifically went to purchasing production equipment, so presumably Nordic Nano is installing advanced printing machines, coating lines, and assembly systems in Imatra capable of producing both the thin-film solar product and stacking/printing battery cells. If successful, the capacity could be significant: because the technology is printable, it lends itself to roll-to-roll manufacturing which can be scaled by adding parallel lines. Employing “hundreds” implies a fairly large operation, possibly on the order of tens of thousands of battery cells per month or similar (though without concrete numbers, this is speculative).
Business Strategy: Nordic Nano’s strategy is to compete on technology differentiation and local supply chain advantages. The company explicitly pitches itself as challenging “global green technology solutions often imported from outside the EU” by providing a sustainable, competitively priced alternative made in Europe. This leverages the current push in Europe for supply chain security and domestic production of critical technologies (like batteries and solar components). CEO Esa Parjanen has noted that recent EU regulatory changes and the emphasis on self-sufficiency in energy have given Nordic Nano a “significant head start in the market” . For example, the EU Battery Regulation and incentives for European-made clean tech likely make Nordic Nano’s products more attractive to European OEMs compared to importing batteries from Asia. Nordic Nano’s technology avoids the environmental and ethical issues of traditional batteries (no cobalt from DRC, no lithium from sensitive regions, etc.), which further aligns with European market values and emerging rules (such as carbon footprint requirements for batteries).
The value proposition is threefold: Environmental sustainability, Technical superiority, and Cost competitiveness. Nordic Nano often repeats that its solutions combine “environmental friendliness, technical superiority and competitive pricing” beyond what subsidized foreign alternatives achieve. For instance, not using scarce metals not only helps sustainability but also potentially lowers costs. The company claims its production costs will be lower than conventional lithium-ion once scaled, due to cheaper materials and simpler assembly (no need for clean-room dry battery electrode coating or complex cell formats – printing is relatively straightforward). This is a bold claim, but if true, it means the business strategy is to undercut incumbent battery tech on price while offering better performance, a powerful combination.
Target Industries and Markets: Initially, Nordic Nano is targeting sectors that value its batteries’ unique features:
Electric Vehicles (Automotive): This includes electric motorcycles (like Verge, a premium niche) and could extend to cars, commercial vehicles, and even eVTOL aircraft or drones. The fast-charge, high-cycle life nature of the battery is very appealing for fleet vehicles (taxis, delivery, buses) and performance vehicles. The partnership with Donut Lab places Nordic Nano squarely in the EV space, from two-wheelers to heavy trucks. Donut Lab’s vision of using the tech in land, sea, air suggests future applications in marine (electric boats or ferries) and aviation (possibly for short-haul electric aircraft or drones) . The -30 °C to +100 °C operating range also gives an edge in automotive applications in cold climates or demanding environments . By providing safer batteries, Nordic Nano can target luxury EVs or any segment where battery fire risk is a concern (which is essentially all).
Renewable Energy Storage (Grid and Residential): The extremely long cycle life (100k cycles) of Nordic Nano’s storage solution is especially suitable for stationary energy storage, where batteries cycle daily or even multiple times a day (as in solar home systems, grid frequency regulation, etc.). A battery that can last decades of daily cycling with minimal degradation would revolutionize levelized cost of storage. Nordic Nano’s website mentions self-sustaining buildings and solar parks as use cases. We can infer that home solar+battery systems or community energy storage could be a target market. The non-toxic aspect means these batteries can be installed in homes or populated areas more safely. The company’s solid-state cells could also serve as backup power units that are safer in commercial buildings (fire codes increasingly worry about lithium-ion battery fires in urban settings).
Aerospace and Defense: Through ESA BIC and related outreach, Nordic Nano is positioning for satellites, space rovers, and defense platforms . The battery’s ability to operate in vacuum or extreme temperatures without thermal runaway is a huge plus in space. Also, the custom form factor printing could allow batteries conforming to spacecraft shapes or integrated into structures (saving weight and volume). In defense, the fact that the battery is made from benign materials might alleviate some logistical issues (no hazardous goods transport, etc.), and high power plus quick charge could be valuable for directed energy weapons or military EVs. Donut Lab explicitly markets to defense (they demoed tech to defense OEMs per their statements), so Nordic Nano rides along that path too.
Consumer Electronics and Niche: Although not a focus in media, a 400 Wh/kg solid-state battery that charges in minutes would be very attractive for consumer devices (phones, laptops) or power tools. The ability to print in custom shapes could enable batteries that fit into the nooks and walls of devices, potentially increasing energy density per volume. However, entering this market likely requires scaling down cell sizes and dealing with high-volume manufacturing at low cost. Nordic Nano may initially stick to high-value markets (like EV and aerospace) before consumer gadgets, unless they partner with a major electronics firm for a pilot project.
Hydrogen Fuel Production: Another angle, as mentioned, is using their nanotech for green hydrogen (via artificial photosynthesis or enhanced electrolysis). If Nordic Nano pursues this, the target would be hydrogen generation for energy storage or industrial use. They could produce panels that create hydrogen which then gets used in fuel cells. This would target the sustainable fuel sector. It’s somewhat distinct from their battery/solar markets, but complementary in a future clean energy ecosystem.
Nordic Nano’s business model appears to be B2B supply and possibly joint ventures. They likely will sell battery cells or modules to automotive OEMs (via partnerships like Donut Lab) and license technology or co-develop solutions for specific industries (similar to how they engage with ESA for space). The mention that the battery is an “energy platform, not just an automotive component” indicates they want to penetrate multiple verticals with a core product.
Finally, scalability and expansion: The company chose a relatively small city (Imatra) for manufacturing, where it can scale with lower overhead and support from local government. If demand skyrockets (say, if a large automaker or grid storage project adopts the tech), Nordic Nano might expand capacity either at Imatra or by building additional lines elsewhere (possibly in other EU countries or licensed production abroad). They have situated themselves in the EU’s emerging battery value chain – Finland, in particular, is investing in battery materials and manufacturing (with other companies focusing on cathode materials, etc.). This alignment could aid their growth; for instance, they might tap into Finland’s supply of minerals (Finland has phosphate and other minerals for batteries) or collaborate with other Nordic battery firms. Indeed, Nordic Nano was listed among innovative Nordic startups in cleantech competitions, which could bring in contacts and possibly funding opportunities .
In summary, Nordic Nano Group’s production facility in Imatra is gearing up to produce its nano-enabled battery cells and solar coatings at scale, with initial output already committed to partners. The company’s strategy emphasizes local manufacturing, sustainability, and high performance to carve a place in global markets dominated by Asian imports. By focusing on strategic partnerships and niche high-value markets first (electric super-bikes, specialized trailers, etc.), Nordic Nano is building a track record for its technology. Its ultimate ambition is broad: it envisions its nanomaterial technology transforming multiple industries – from clean transportation to renewable energy storage to aerospace – thereby accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral future with European-grown tech
Let turn our focus back to Donut Labs.
Donut Lab: A Solid State Battery Revolution or Snake Oil?
Donut Lab is a Finnish electric vehicle technology company that recently made headlines for its solid-state battery innovation. The company (formally Donut Lab Oy in Finland) was originally a startup but is now fully owned by Verge Motorcycles (as mentioned above), an electric motorcycle manufacturer. In practice, Donut Lab operates as a subsidiary and R&D arm of Verge, supplying key components (like its in-wheel Donut Motor and the new battery) to Verge’s bikes. Despite the acquisition, Donut Lab continues to function with some independence and serves other clients with its EV platform technologies .
Subsidiaries / Joint Ventures: Donut Lab is at the center of a network of partnerships. Notably, it formed a joint venture with Ahola Group (a Finnish logistics company) called Cova Power to produce electrified semi-trailers . The Cova Power “Smart Trailer” integrates Donut Lab’s in-wheel motors and solid-state batteries into truck trailers, cutting diesel use by over 50% . Donut Lab is also partnered with WATT Electric Vehicles (Wattev) in the UK to develop an ultra-lightweight EV “skateboard” chassis using Donut’s motors and batteries . In the defense sector, Donut Lab collaborates with ESOX Group, supplying its battery for military-grade electric platforms (e.g. a 4×4 tactical buggy and next-gen drone), where safety and extreme-condition performance are critical .
In addition, Donut Lab spearheads an international EV tech cluster. In late 2025 it invested in Nordic Nano Group Oy, a Finnish startup specializing in sustainable nano-materials for energy (as we covered in grave detail above). Nordic Nano’s technology plays a key role in Donut Lab’s battery (as discussed below). Donut Lab’s CEO Marko Lehtimäki joined Nordic Nano’s board, indicating a strategic alliance. This “cluster” approach means Donut Lab works closely with partners (like Nordic Nano for materials, and OEMs like Verge, WATT, Ahola) to bring its technologies to market.
Solid-State Battery Technology and Features
Donut Lab’s headline innovation is a new solid-state battery – branded the “Donut Battery” – which the company claims is the world’s first all-solid-state battery deployed in a production vehicle (specifically, in Verge’s 2026 electric motorcycles). Unlike conventional lithium-ion cells, this battery uses no liquid electrolyte; all components are solid, which yields major benefits in energy density, safety, and longevity. The key claimed specifications and features of the Donut solid-state battery include:
• High Energy Density: ~400 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram) – about 1.5–2× the energy density of typical Li-ion EV packs. This allows longer range or lighter battery packs for the same range. Verge’s motorcycles, for example, achieve up to ~600 km (370 miles) on a single charge using Donut’s battery, versus ~350 km with their older Li-ion pack.
• Ultra-Fast Charging: Can be charged to 100% in ~5 minutes. Notably, Donut Lab emphasizes this is a full charge from 0–100% (not just to 80% as is often quoted in fast-charge specs). This implies a charging rate far beyond normal Li-ion cells. In practical terms, Verge claims the bike can add ~300 km of range in 10 minutes, and about 60 km of range per minute of charging.
• Extreme Longevity: Design life of up to 100,000 charge cycles with minimal capacity loss. This is an astonishingly high cycle life – orders of magnitude above the 1,000–3,000 cycles of typical EV batteries. Donut Lab suggests the battery experiences minimal degradation over time, even under frequent full charging and discharging. Such longevity could mean decades of use or millions of miles on a single pack. (For context, even the best advanced lithium batteries usually top out at a few thousand cycles.)
• Safety: The battery is inherently safer than Li-ion packs. It contains no flammable liquid electrolyte, so the risk of fire or thermal runaway is essentially eliminated. The solid electrolyte and novel materials also prevent the formation of metallic dendrites that plague lithium batteries. Donut Lab says the cell will not ignite or explode even in harsh conditions. In fact, it remains stable and functional from −30 °C up to >100 °C ambient temperatures: tests showed over 99% capacity retention at –30 °C, and similarly 99% retained at 100+ °C with no signs of thermal runaway. This wide operating window and resistance to overheating address major safety concerns of current batteries.
• Materials and Sustainability: The company deliberately avoids rare, toxic, or conflict materials. The Donut solid-state battery is made from “abundant, affordable and geopolitically safe” materials and contains no lithium, cobalt, cadmium, or other heavy metals. In a Finnish news report, Nordic Nano (Donut’s partner) confirmed that their nano-structured battery material replaces lithium entirely with a more common substance, and contains no hazardous metals like Co, Pb, or As. Donut Lab keeps the exact chemistry proprietary (a trade secret) , but it’s described as a nanocarbon-based technology – combining carbon nanotubes and graphene in a printed matrix. This nano-engineered structure likely enables fast ion transport and high stability. The absence of lithium means it’s not a traditional Li-ion solid-state cell, but rather a new chemistry (possibly utilizing nanostructured carbon electrodes with some metallic or polymer components – details undisclosed). The materials are inexpensive and widely available, which, coupled with simpler design, supposedly gives the Donut Battery a lower projected cost than today’s lithium-ion packs . (Donut Lab claims the battery will be cheaper per kWh than Li-ion once in volume production.)
• Flexible Form Factor: The solid-state cells are said to be very versatile in design and integration. Donut Lab can produce them in custom sizes, shapes, voltages, and even as structural elements of a vehicle. For example, the battery could be built into the chassis of a device or the skin of a drone. This design flexibility is a byproduct of the solid electrolyte (which can be molded without liquid containment) and the absence of volatile chemicals, allowing novel geometries. Donut Lab calls it a “universal, general-purpose energy platform” that can serve in applications from microelectronics and UAVs up to grid storage.
Real-World Testing: Donut Lab states that it withheld announcement until the battery was fully tested and operating in real vehicles. The company reports rigorous testing under extreme cold and heat (as noted above) and under high charge throughput. For instance, they demonstrated that even at a full 5-minute fast charge (which is an enormous current), the battery can charge beyond the usual 80% limit to 100% repeatedly without damage. The battery also supports full depth-of-discharge (0% to 100%) cycles regularly, unlike many Li-ion batteries that require keeping a partial charge to preserve life. All these claims come from Donut’s internal testing. Independent third-party validation has not yet been published, so naturally some observers remain cautious. Finnish academic experts interviewed about the technology said it’s a completely new innovation and hard to evaluate until more data is available. In other words, the battery’s performance sounds almost “too good to be true,” so proving it outside of Donut Lab’s own demos will be crucial. Donut Lab’s first chance to validate its claims is through the early 2026 rollout in Verge Motorcycles, where real-world usage (fast charges, cycle life, etc.) can be monitored in the field.
Applications and Deployment Plans
Although Donut Lab’s solid-state battery could have broad applications, the initial target is transportation – especially electric vehicles. The battery was designed for EV duty cycles and scaled for OEM vehicle integration from the start. Donut Lab debuted the technology in the context of powering electric motorcycles and cars, but its vision extends further. Some key intended applications and early deployments include:
Electric Motorcycles (Verge TS Pro/Ultra): The 2026 Verge TS lineup is the first platform to use Donut Lab’s solid-state batteries in production. Verge Motorcycles (an Estonia-based company with Finnish roots) worked closely with Donut Lab to integrate the new battery into their high-performance bikes. As a result, the Verge TS Pro and TS Ultra will become the world’s first production vehicles with an all-solid-state battery when deliveries begin in Q1 2026. The standard TS Pro with solid-state pack offers ~350 km range (217 miles) per charge, and an extended-range option (~33 kWh pack) pushes range up to ~600 km (370 miles). Thanks to the battery’s energy density, this was achieved without increasing weight or size of the bike’s battery module.
Perhaps more game-changing is the charging ability: Verge claims an 80% recharge in ~10 minutes, or even “full charge in less than 10 minutes” under ideal conditions. This roughly translates to adding ~60 km of range per minute at a fast-charge station . Such speedy refueling addresses a major drawback of current e-motorcycles. If these figures hold up in everyday use, it could give Verge a significant performance edge. (For comparison, even premium e-bikes today often require 40–60 minutes to charge 80%.) Verge’s CEO has called this battery a “holy grail” that could make their electric superbike more practical and attractive to riders. The Verge TS models will effectively serve as a rolling proof-of-concept for Donut’s battery in 2026.
Passenger EVs and Platforms: Donut Lab intends to supply the battery to other OEMs beyond motorcycles. The company has developed a modular EV platform (the Donut Platform) encompassing in-wheel motors, the Donut Battery, control electronics, and software – which can be adopted by various vehicle manufacturers. An example partnership is with WATT Electric Vehicles (Watt EV) in the UK. At CES 2026, WATT EV unveiled an ultra-light “skateboard” chassis for cars that integrates Donut’s battery and motors in an aluminum frame. This skateboard can underpin multiple vehicle types (from sports cars to small delivery vehicles), demonstrating how Donut’s tech scales to four-wheeled EVs By enabling custom geometries (even structural batteries), Donut Lab’s solid-state cells could be placed in unconventional locations in a car – potentially freeing up space or enabling novel designs. Donut Lab has indicated interest in automotive applications from microcars up to heavy vehicles in the future, once production capacity grows.
Smart Trailers and Heavy Transport: Through the Cova Power joint venture with Ahola Group, Donut Lab is applying its battery to transform trucking. The Cova Smart Trailer is essentially a semi-trailer outfitted with its own battery pack and electric motors on the trailer axles. This turns a passive trailer into an active hybrid-electric trailer that assists the diesel tractor, dramatically reducing fuel consumption. Initial results show a 54% reduction in diesel use and ~30% cut in total energy consumption for a semi when the Donut-powered trailer is used. The trailer’s battery (charged from the grid or via regen) can propel the wheels and also power cooling units or other systems, improving efficiency. Importantly, using solid-state batteries in this application brings safety and durability advantages – no risk of fire even if a trailer is in an accident or harsh environment. The first series-produced smart trailers are in development, and this represents a niche (freight) where Donut’s high-cycle, safe battery could excel (trailers might charge and discharge very frequently during operations) .
Defense and Aerospace: Donut Lab is piloting uses in military vehicles and drones in partnership with ESOX Group. Military platforms demand extreme reliability under temperature extremes and rough handling – conditions where Donut’s solid-state battery’s ruggedness is a big plus. A “four-wheel tactical buggy” (an off-road light electric vehicle) and a “next-generation drone” are cited as testbeds using the Donut Battery. The battery’s lightweight and shape-flexible nature can enable drones or robots with longer endurance without risk of fire or performance loss in cold/hot climates. Donut Lab calls these “defense-grade” deployments, underscoring that safety and longevity were key to passing defense requirements. Successful defense trials could lead to adoption in military EV fleets or unmanned systems where battery failure is not an option.
Consumer Electronics and Other Uses: While vehicles are the first focus, the Donut Battery is positioned as a general-purpose energy solution, so it could eventually appear in smaller formats. Donut Lab mentions applications from, microelectronics to data center energy storage. For example, the Internet of Things (IoT) devices could benefit from a tiny solid-state cell that lasts for tens of thousands of cycles (essentially a battery for life). Likewise, home or grid storage could use these batteries to deliver long life and safety – the company specifically notes interest in grid-balancing and flexible charging infrastructure uses down the line. No specific consumer gadget integrations have been announced yet, but if the technology matures and costs come down, it could be very attractive for laptops, phones, or wearables (imagine a smartphone that fully charges in 5 minutes and doesn’t need a battery replacement for many years). In the interim, Donut Lab is likely focusing on higher-value markets (vehicles, industrial, defense) where the unique advantages offset the initially higher cost.
Donut Lab’s solid-state battery is entering the market via premium, high-performance applications first (sport motorcycles, specialized EV platforms, etc.) and is expected to expand into broader automotive and energy sectors as production scales. The production plan involves a new facility in Imatra, Finland, set up by Nordic Nano Group and Donut Lab. Nordic Nano received EU and government grants to establish a pilot production line for the nano-material and battery cells, with prototype manufacturing started in late 2025 and volume production aimed for late 2026. This timeline aligns with supplying the initial Verge bike batches in Q1 2026 (likely using pre-production cells), while ramping up output for more customers afterward. Donut Lab’s Global Innovators Program (mentioned on its site) also hints that it is engaging other OEMs (100+) and industry partners to adopt the technology across industries.
Patents and Publications
One striking aspect of Donut Lab’s battery is the lack of publicly known patents or academic publications to date. A search of patent databases and literature yields no patents filed under “Donut Lab” or its affiliates specifically for the solid-state battery (as of early 2026). This is somewhat unusual given the magnitude of the claimed breakthrough. It appears the company has chosen to protect its IP via secrecy for now – indeed, Nordic Nano’s CEO stated that the material composition is a trade secret and not disclosed . By not patenting yet, they avoid revealing their chemistry until they are ready to scale (or perhaps they have patent applications in progress that are not public). For context, Donut Lab’s prior invention (the in-wheel Donut Motor) was patented and showcased in 2025, but with the battery they have been more tight-lipped.
In terms of scientific publications or conference papers, none have been released by Donut Lab or Nordic Nano so far. The companies are operating in startup “stealth mode,” with R&D results kept internal. According to Yle News, even professors in the field only know that it’s a novel approach and find it hard to judge without data. No peer-reviewed articles about the Donut solid-state cell have surfaced, and Donut Lab has not published technical white papers publicly at this point. This absence of external validation has drawn some skepticism from observers in the battery community – “no relevant patent or paper” is a common refrain among skeptics . Critics note that extraordinary claims (e.g. 100k cycles, 5-min charge, zero lithium) usually come with corroborating research data; they urge caution until third-party tests confirm the performance. Well to be fair nobody believed in EUV either, and now ASML is the most important company on earth.
On the other hand, Donut Lab has begun sharing information through less formal channels. They gave press releases and media interviews (e.g. at CES 2026) describing the battery’s specs and demonstrating prototype cells. An interview with CEO Marko Lehtimäki at CES indicated that the company intentionally waited until the tech was working in a vehicle before making any announcement. Now that the product is launching, Donut Lab may file patents or release more technical details in due course. It’s also possible that some of the IP resides with Nordic Nano, which might have its own patents for the nano-material process (though none are public yet). Nordic Nano’s technology itself builds on prior research from the University of Eastern Finland (for the nanoprinting process) and a German research innovation (the “nanomass” material). Neither of those pieces is fully described in public documents, beyond mentions that it involves TiO₂-based nano particles and carbon, and that it’s printable on thin films. The company did enlist at least one chief scientist (Dr. Béla Bhuskute, per Nordic Nano’s site) whose background is in photocatalytic nanomaterials, suggesting a cross-disciplinary approach (possibly combining solar cell and battery tech). But until Donut Lab/Nordic Nano publish their results or patent them, the technical community will be eagerly awaiting more transparency.
In summary, no global patents or journal papers are yet known for Donut Lab’s battery. The team claims to have a proprietary breakthrough and is moving straight to commercialization. This strategy is high-risk, high-reward: if the product performs as advertised, Donut Lab will have leapfrogged years of lab research by larger firms – but they will also face scrutiny to prove it’s not “too good to be true.” We expect that as shipments begin and data comes in, Donut Lab may present findings at industry conferences or pursue patent protection for its core materials (before competitors attempt to reverse-engineer it). For now, they are relying on trade secrets and first-mover advantage rather than patent disclosures.
Key Partners, Investors, and Backers
Donut Lab’s bold venture is backed by a mix of strategic partners and investors:
Verge Motorcycles: As noted, Verge is not only Donut Lab’s parent company but also its first major customer. Verge’s investment/acquisition provided Donut Lab with resources and an immediate vehicle integration opportunity. Verge’s stake is critical – by “eating its own dog food” (using Donut’s motors and batteries in all its 2026 bikes), Verge validates the technology in a real product. Verge’s global launch of the TS Pro with Donut’s battery is a high-profile showcase, especially in the U.S. market. In effect, Verge is both investor and demonstrator for Donut Lab.
Nordic Nano Group: Donut Lab made a strategic equity investment in Nordic Nano in October 2025. This partnership is foundational – Nordic Nano provides the nanocarbon material and printing technology underlying the solid-state battery. The two companies have a symbiotic relationship: Donut accelerates Nordic Nano’s scale-up (e.g. helping fund the Imatra factory), and Nordic Nano’s tech gives Donut Lab a unique battery chemistry. Essentially, Nordic Nano can be seen as a technology partner/subsupplier deeply involved in R&D. Both are part of what Donut calls the “Nordic Tech Cluster” driving sustainable electrification solutions .
Ahola Group (Cova Power JV): Ahola, a major Nordic logistics firm, partnered with Donut Lab to form Cova Power in 2025. Ahola brings domain expertise in trucking and a route to deploy Donut’s tech in freight operations. The Cova joint venture is an example of Donut Lab aligning with an industry customer early on – Ahola will effectively become an end-user of Donut’s motors/batteries in its fleet (via the smart trailers). Ahola also likely provides capital and industrial know-how for this specific vertical. The success of Cova Power will attract other commercial fleet operators if the promised fuel savings are realized. Donut Lab benefits from Ahola’s credibility in the transport sector while Ahola gets cutting-edge electrification tech exclusively via the JV.
WATT Electric Vehicles (Watt EV Ltd): Watt EV is a British EV startup focusing on lightweight

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WATT Electric Vehicles (Watt EV Ltd): Watt EV is a British EV startup focusing on lightweight vehicle platforms (they have shown a retro-styled electric sports car and rolling chassis designs). Watt EV became a development partner to integrate Donut’s components into a full vehicle platform. At CES, Watt EV and Donut Lab jointly displayed a running prototype of a skateboard chassis with in-wheel motors and solid-state battery. This partnership is strategic in demonstrating that Donut’s platform is OEM-ready beyond motorcycles. Watt EV’s platform, expected to underpin niche sports cars or kit cars, will use Donut’s tech as a selling point (high performance, low weight). While Watt EV is a small company, the collaboration serves as a case study for how Donut’s battery can fit into four-wheeled EVs (and it provides Donut Lab with feedback on integration into a car chassis). It’s also a stepping stone toward attracting larger auto OEMs.
ESOX Group: ESOX is a technology integrator/consultant in defense and security projects. By partnering with ESOX, Donut Lab gains an entry into defense contracts and projects that require cutting-edge energy solutions (e.g. silent-running military vehicles, high-end drones). ESOX essentially acts as a customer and integrator for Donut’s battery in defense prototypes. This relationship likely also brings some funding via defense grants or contracts for specific projects. Success in defense applications could lead to procurement contracts down the line. Having ESOX (and by extension, defense end-users) on board underscores that Donut’s battery passed strict safety and reliability vetting for mission-critical use. It’s a strong vote of confidence, and a strategic alignment because defense organizations might invest in domestic battery tech for energy independence reasons.
Government and Grants: While not a “partner” in the traditional sense, it’s worth noting that Donut Lab’s endeavors have drawn public funding support. Business Finland and EU programs (like the Just Transition Fund via ELY-center) have provided grants to Nordic Nano’s factory setup and R&D . For example, Nordic Nano received ~€2.9 million in regional development aid for its production line in Imatra. The European Space Agency (ESA) has also supported related tech development. These contributions indicate that governments see potential in the technology for strategic industries and are helping de-risk the scale-up. Such backing, though not equity investment, is a positive signal for Donut Lab and improves its financial runway.
Aside from the above, Donut Lab’s executive team and early backers are also notable. CEO Marko Lehtimäki is a serial tech entrepreneur, and one of the key investors in Nordic Nano even before the formal partnership. Other team members (like CTO Ville Piippo and VP Haydn Baker) bring experience from companies like McLaren, Rivian, Pininfarina, etc. , indicating that knowledgeable industry insiders are betting on Donut Lab. While specific venture capital investors in Donut Lab haven’t been disclosed publicly, it’s likely that private investment came from regional venture funds or angel investors in Finland/Estonia, especially during its initial motor development phase. Now with Verge’s ownership, Verge’s shareholders (which include venture funds and private investors from the EV space) indirectly back Donut Lab’s activities.
Comparison with Other Solid-State Battery Efforts
Donut Lab’s announcement stands in contrast to the timelines of much larger players working on solid-state batteries. For years, companies like Toyota, QuantumScape, Solid Power, Samsung, LG, CATL, and others have poured R&D into solid-state technology – often dubbed the “holy grail” of batteries – but none have yet put an all-solid battery into a mass-produced vehicle. Donut Lab boldly claims it has “beaten Toyota, QuantumScape and others to the punch” by delivering a production-ready solid-state battery first.
Here’s how Donut’s battery and status compare with some prominent solid-state programs globally:
Toyota: The Japanese auto giant has one of the most advanced solid-state initiatives. Toyota famously tested a solid-state battery in a concept car at the 2020 Olympics and has been refining the technology since. However, Toyota’s public timeline for commercializing solid-state EV batteries is 2027–2028. In partnership with Idemitsu, Toyota plans to start production of solid electrolyte cells by 2027-28, likely initially in hybrid cars before pure EVs.
Toyota cites challenges in durability and manufacturing scale as reasons for this timeframe. By comparison, Donut Lab’s battery would be at least one full model cycle (~2 years) ahead if it’s in vehicles by early 2026. It’s worth noting Toyota’s approach still relies on lithium-ion chemistry (with a lithium metal anode and sulfide solid electrolyte). Toyota’s latest prototypes reportedly achieve ~1000 Wh/L (~roughly 300+ Wh/kg) and can fast-charge to 80% in 10 minutes, with an aim for 1000 cycles – impressive but still more conservative than Donut’s claims.
Toyota’s solid-state cells are also initially targeting hybrids (where longevity is less critical than energy) before high-capacity EV packs. So if Donut’s battery performs as advertised (higher energy, far longer life, no lithium), it would leapfrog Toyota’s in several aspects. That said, Toyota’s advantage is immense resources and production capability – by the time Donut Lab scales up, Toyota might be ready to flood the market if their 2027 launch stays on track .
QuantumScape: QuantumScape (QS) is a Silicon Valley startup (backed by Volkswagen and Bill Gates) focused on solid-state lithium-metal batteries. It has spent over a decade on a ceramic electrolyte separator technology. As of late 2025, QuantumScape had built 24-layer prototype cells and is setting up a pilot production line (the “Eagle Line”) slated to begin operation in February 2026. These are still pre-commercial cells for testing by VW and other auto OEMs. QS aims to reach automotive validation by 2025–2026 and possibly start commercial production around 2027 if all goes well.
Their cells promise ~>350 Wh/kg and fast charging to 80% in ~15 minutes, with a few thousand cycles expected. In contrast, Donut Lab’s battery forgoes lithium entirely, which avoids issues QS faces (like dendrites on lithium metal). QuantumScape’s first automotive integration is not expected in a customer-buyable car until about 2027 or later (VW has signaled 2027–28 for its first solid-state EV).
Donut’s tech coming in 2026 beats QS by at least a year, though QS has disclosed much more technical data (in lab tests) than Donut has. QuantumScape’s challenge is scaling ceramic separators; Donut’s challenge will be scaling its nanoprinting process – both are unproven at gigafactory scale. It will be interesting to see if Donut’s simpler materials (carbon-based) allow faster scale-up than QS’s complex ceramics. But for now, Donut Lab enjoys the bragging rights of having a solid-state battery in use before QuantumScape, something that seemed unlikely to many observers in the field .
Solid Power: Solid Power is a U.S. startup (backed by Ford and BMW) developing sulfide-based solid-state batteries that can use conventional lithium-ion manufacturing tooling. Solid Power has delivered prototype 20 Ah cells to BMW for testing, and is working on a pilot line for automotive cells. However, BMW and Solid Power have indicated that solid-state batteries won’t reach series production in BMW vehicles until around 2030.
Solid Power’s interim goal is to have automotive demo cars possibly by 2025–26, but those would be test vehicles. The company has shifted to also licensing its electrolyte to BMW and others, suggesting the timeline is not immediate. In terms of specs, Solid Power targets energy similar to today’s Li-ion (perhaps 250–300 Wh/kg initially) but with improved safety.
Its advantage is compatibility with existing manufacturing and using cheaper materials than QuantumScape (no expensive ceramics). Still, its cycle life so far has been limited in prototypes, and plenty of work remains to reach automotive grade. So, Donut Lab is far ahead in deployment, putting cells on the road in 2026 vs. Solid Power aiming for end of decade commercialization.
It’s worth noting that Donut’s battery chemistry is completely different (no lithium vs. Solid Power’s lithium metal + sulfide). If Donut’s claims hold, its battery would massively outlast and outperform Solid Power’s early cells. On the flip side, Solid Power’s approach might scale to high volumes more easily if it can use existing gigafactories with minor tweaks – something Donut Lab will have to figure out for its novel process.
Chinese Manufacturers (CATL, BYD, etc.): Some Chinese companies have begun limited introduction of what they call “solid-state” batteries, though many are actually semi-solid (hybrid electrolytes). For instance, CATL and EV maker NIO collaborated on a high-energy pack using a semi-solid electrolyte that is now offered as an option in NIO cars in China. These cells use a gel-like electrolyte – safer and slightly more energy dense (~360 Wh/kg) but not fully solid-state in the strict sense.
CATL has stated it expects to commercialize true all-solid-state cells around 2027, with mass production around 2030.
BYD, another major Chinese OEM, similarly indicated it might have its first all-solid battery EV around 2027.
So the Chinese industry consensus mirrors Japan’s: late this decade for initial products, 2030+ for scaling. Donut Lab’s battery would outshine the current semi-solid Chinese cells (which still rely on lithium and flammable solvents to some degree) by being fully solid and offering much longer cycle life.
However, Chinese companies have huge manufacturing prowess – if Donut’s tech proves real, one could imagine a partnership or a competitor in China moving quickly to replicate the concept. For now, though, no Chinese EV in 2024–25 has a true solid-state battery – the ones on the road use improved electrolytes but not the kind of solid ceramic/polymer that Donut or Toyota use. This puts Donut Lab in a leadership position if their deployed battery is genuinely all-solid.
Others: There are other notable solid-state efforts: SES (semi-solid lithium-metal batteries, targeting 2025 for first aviation use), ProLogium (Taiwanese company planning solid-state EV batteries and building a plant in France for 2026–27 production), Samsung SDI (researching solid-state with a silver-carbon anode), and more. Most of these projects have similar timelines (samples mid-decade, commercialization ~2028). For example, ProLogium expects to have B-sample solid-state cells by 2027 and start production in 2028 . None claim a cycle life anywhere near 100k cycles – most are aiming for 1,000 cycles initially, then maybe 10,000 with improvements. Panasonic is focusing on solid-state for drones/robots by 2029 before cars. Hyundai is looking at 2030 or later. All this underscores how radical Donut Lab’s timeline is. According to a review by Battery Tech Online, “the competitive field points to pilots and first commercialization from 2027–2028, with mass production in mainstream automotive around 2030”, which makes Donut Lab’s promise of production batteries in early 2026 an outlier . If Donut indeed delivers, it would compress the future into the present, potentially forcing bigger companies to accelerate their roadmaps .
In summary, Donut Lab’s solid-state battery differentiates itself by:
• Chemistry: No lithium or rare metals (vs. most others still lithium-based). This could mean lower cost and no sourcing issues, but it’s a completely different electrochemistry from mainstream efforts.
• Performance claims: Far higher cycle life and extreme fast-charge capability than any competitor has demonstrated publicly. For example, Toyota’s goals (effective ~10,000 cycles on a solid-state battery) are an order of magnitude lower than Donut’s 100,000 cycles .
• Timeline: Hitting the market in 2026, which is years ahead of the pack (most industry players target late-2020s) .
• Form factor flexibility: Emphasis on custom shapes and even structural battery usage , whereas most big OEM efforts are focused on drop-in replacement of existing battery formats (e.g. standard pouch or prismatic cells to swap into EV packs).
• Scale and validation: The flip side is that Toyota, CATL, etc. have huge pilot lines and teams of scientists validating their tech, while Donut Lab is a small entrant with a lot to prove. Donut’s claims have to stand up in real-world usage; if they do, it will indeed be a game-changer for the industry . It would pressure other companies to speed up or consider alternative chemistries. If it falls short, then the industry’s more cautious timeline (2027–2030) remains the likely path for true solid-state batteries in cars .
So In our conclusion, Donut Lab and its solid-state battery represent a bold and potentially groundbreaking development in energy storage. The company’s full legal name is Donut Lab Oy, operating as a Verge Motorcycles subsidiary, and it has aligned itself with key partners (Verge, Ahola, Watt EV, ESOX, Nordic Nano) to commercialize the technology quickly. The battery’s specifications – 400 Wh/kg, 5-minute charge, 100,000 cycles, no fire risk – if independently verified, surpass anything announced by major battery makers to date.
Donut Lab has essentially staked a claim as the first to put an all-solid-state battery into a customer vehicle, beating giants to the milestone.
A flurry of patents and research papers will likely follow if the product succeeds, but for now Donut Lab is letting real-world products speak for their tech. 2026 will be a crucial proving ground: as Verge motorcycles hit the road and perhaps early adopters push the battery to its limits, we will learn if Donut Lab’s innovation lives up to its promise.
If it does, it could accelerate the EV revolution – delivering batteries that charge as fast as filling a tank, last essentially a lifetime, and use earth-abundant materials. And it would put Finland on the map as an unexpected leader in next-gen battery development. On the other hand, the world will be watching for evidence and test results; skepticism remains until those 5-minute charges and ultra-long lifespans are demonstrated outside of press releases. In any case, Donut Lab has injected excitement (and some shock) into the battery industry, potentially catalyzing a faster global shift toward solid-state technology.
The coming months and years – as competing roadmaps to 2027–2030 play out – will determine if Donut Lab truly changed the game, or if the traditional battery powers catch up and reassert their timelines.
Linus Ekenstam + Team + AI Agents 6 January 2026, Falkenberg, Sweden.
Sources Nordic Nano Group (homepage):
www.nordicnano.co/
• Nordic Nano “About” (team and leadership):
www.nordicnano.co/about/
• Nordic Nano News (index):
www.nordicnano.co/news/
• Nordic Nano: “Nordic Nano Group Oy is being established” (27 Jan 2024):
www.nordicnano.co/nordic-nano-group-oy-is-established/
• Nordic Nano: “Strategic partnership with Donut Lab strengthens Nordic Nano’s role…”:
www.nordicnano.co/strategic-partnership-...ic-mobility-cluster/
• Nordic Nano: “Nordic Nano strengthens its financial base – production and recruitment begin in Imatra” (17 Sep 2025):
www.nordicnano.co/nordic-nano-strengthen...ent-begin-in-imatra/
• Nordic Nano: “Donut Lab invests in Nordic Nano to accelerate global growth and technological collaboration”:
www.nordicnano.co/donut-lab-invests-in-n...gical-collaboration/
• Nordic Nano: “Nordic Nano joins the ESA BIC Finland programme…”:
www.nordicnano.co/nordic-nano-joins-the-...ving-space-offering/
• Donut Lab press release (investment in Nordic Nano, 23 Oct 2025):
www.donutlab.com/nordic-nano-investment/
• Donut Lab CES battery announcement (solid-state battery):
www.donutlab.com/ces-battery-announcement/
• Donut Lab press releases index:
www.donutlab.com/press-releases/
• Engineer Live (Donut Lab investment coverage, 23 Oct 2025):
www.engineerlive.com/content/donut-lab-e...vestment-nordic-nano
• Power Progress (Donut Lab to invest in Nordic Nano, 24 Nov 2025):
www.powerprogress.com/news/donut-lab-to-...nano/8095146.article
• Business Imatra Region: “Nordic Nano” (factory / funding / overview):
businessimatraregion.fi/en/nordic-nano/
• Yle (Finnish): “Suomalainen yritys keksi vaarallisille litiumakuille vaihtoehdon” (background on tech):
yle.fi/a/74-20118784
• Yle (Finnish): “Akkukennoja valmistava Nordic Nano aikoo käynnistää tuotannon…” (funding / ramp):
yle.fi/a/74-20180376
• Yle (Finnish): “Akkukennoja valmistava yhtiö rakentaa tehtaan Imatralle…” (factory / production lines):
yle.fi/a/74-20149959
• Yle (Finnish): “Imatran kaupungin yhtiö aikoo ostaa osan hallista…” (facility details):
yle.fi/a/74-20162816
• Tampere University news (Bela Bhuskute dissertation announcement):
www.tuni.fi/en/news/bela-bhuskute-tio2-b...-fuel-efficiency-and
• Trepo (Tampere University repository, dissertation landing page):
trepo.tuni.fi/handle/10024/226859
• Trepo (PDF dissertation):
trepo.tuni.fi/bitstream/10024/226859/2/978-952-03-3916-6.pdf
• SpaceFinland (ESA BIC Finland news item listing new startups, June 2025):
spacefinland.fi/en/-/four-new-startups-j...-the-future-of-space
• The Pack (Donut Lab solid-state battery at CES, Jan 2026):
thepack.news/donut-lab-unveils-worlds-fi...tate-battery-at-ces/
• Electrive (Verge switches to in-house solid-state batteries, Jan 2026):
www.electrive.com/2026/01/05/verge-motor...lid-state-batteries/
• InsideEVs (first solid-state EV you can buy in the US, Jan 2026):
insideevs.com/news/783463/first-solid-state-ev-sold-in-the-us/
• TechRadar (Verge solid-state battery announcement, Jan 2026):
www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-el...-minute-charge-times
• Verge Motorcycles product page (TS Pro):
www.vergemotorcycles.com/ts-pro/
• Hacker News discussion thread (links to sources and debate):
news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46505975
• Reddit discussion thread (debate and skepticism):
www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/commen...lidstate_battery_is/

Opet, kao dežurni skeptik, nešto mi tu ne drži vodu iz druge perspektive - ako mi na nekakvom Jabučnjaku u maloj i sporednoj Hrvatskoj čitamo analizu kakva je to inovativna kompanija, što misliš nisu li automobilski divovi i njihova industrijska špijunaža odavno pod povećalo stavili jednu takvu kompaniju?

Ako ne oni, onda ekipa koja drži naftnu industriju, da uskoče u alternativni vlak ako je zaista toliko inovativan i "game changing"? Ako ne oni, onda vojska, koja bi za tako nešto platila štogod treba...

Elon Musk koji kupuje što mu se svidi, već bi bio u Finskoj i ponudio im partnerstvo i neograničene resurse da to razviju najbrže moguće do razine masovne proizvodnje. Međutim ništa od toga se nije dogodilo, mi gledamo YouTube video na green screenu kako je to čudo od baterije umjesto da su s prototipom napravili par krugova po Nürburgringu. Hm-hm.

Ne kažem da je nemoguć i taj scenario, ali čini mi se malo vjerojatan.

Vidim da nisi nikad imao dodir s nekakvom megakorporacijom. Interna birokracija je užasna, inercija cijelog sustava još gora. Korporacija želi poslovati sa što je moguće manje vanjskih dobavljača. I to moraju biti veliki igrači. Bosch, Valeo, Denso i slični. S tobom uopće neće razgovarati, jer te smatraju nepouzdanim partnerom dok ne dokažeš suprotno. Dakle, da bi ti dopro do Stellantisa (Alfe), VW-a ili nekog sličnog, ti ćeš morati biti PODDOBAVLJAČ nekom od postojećih dobavljača.
Oni koji posluju izravno s proizvođačima su tzv. Tier 1 dobavljači (ovi gore spomenuti). Oni imaju svoje dobavljače; ti su Tier 2 dobavljači (oni isporučuju podsklopove Boschu, Valeu ili sličnima). Oni imaju svoje dobavljače. To su Tier 3 dobavljači. To bi, eventualno, mogao biti ti sa svojim otkrićem.
Potom dolazimo do ključnih stavki. Možeš imati sjajan proizvod, ali ako ne možeš jamčiti isporuku, nisi zanimljiv. Dakle, osim proizvoda trebaju proizvodni kapaciteti. Potom, sigurnost isporuke. Pa kvaliteta serije. Seriju ćeš osigurati, ne? Jer moraš dati i neko jamstvo. E, to osiguranje košta jako puno, jer si ti nitko i ništa, dok se ne dokažeš.

Industrijska špijunaža? Jesi ti ozbiljan? Koja špijunaža? Pa svi kupuju sklopove od istih dobavljača. U Alfi su ti injektori Bosch. Pored njega imaš još Denso, Kefico (korejski brand u vlasništvu Hyundaija), eventualno Keihin i Magnetti Marelli (ne za sve). Kod baterija ćelije isporučuje Panasonic (u pravilu) za japanske aute, Koreja radi svoje (LG, SKA), ostatak svijeta je an ženeral na CATL ćelijama. Od tih ćelija onda svatko radi svoje baterije.

Ciklus proizvodnje modela traje 3-5 godina; od osmišljavanja, preko razvoja do serije. To je mrtvo vrijeme koje je zadano. Dakle, da sad VW zaključi ovo je super, mi ulažemo novce i idemo u to, trebat će minimalno 3 godine prije nego se to pojavi u autu.

Ne sumnjam da će se pojaviti morski psi oko ovog, ali zasad je to neznačajno, skopčano s previše nepoznanica i traži ulaganja i nije dovoljno zanimljivo. Auto industrija je u postojeće sustave baterija uložial odvratne novce. Ford je nekidan otpisao, ponavljam, otpisao 9 milijardi ulaganja u EV vozila. Moraš biti jako hrabar CFO da staneš pred upravu i kažeš da investiciju od milijarde(i) nećeš povratiti, nego da se otpiše kao neuspjeh. Prvo idemo to isplatiti, a onda ćemo vidjeti kaj ćemo s ovim. Dotad nek se s tim bakće neko manji od nas, pa ako se to dokaže, onda ćemo i mi u to.