Donut Lab Battery Composition Tested by Independent Lab
New test results show trace lithium and sodium in the startup's battery cells, which are not yet used in any vehicles.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Live Poll
Do you trust claims about new technology from startups that lack verifiable, independent proof?
Independent testing at an Intertek lab identified 3.4 ppm of lithium and 632 ppm of sodium within Donut Lab battery samples. The company had previously claimed its cells were neither lithium-ion nor sodium-ion batteries.
Why it matters
Donut Lab had stated since January 2026 that its battery technology was ready for automotive manufacturing, making the composition of the cells a critical factor for future vehicle development. These findings contrast with the company's claims regarding the specific chemical nature of its power source.
The Intertek lab report identified 3.4 ppm of lithium and 632 ppm of sodium in samples disassembled by Donut Lab personnel. These figures were obtained after analysts digested the anode, cathode, and current collector materials in nitric acid and tested them via ICP-OES.
The players
Donut Lab
A startup developer of high-density battery technology that has claimed readiness for OEM manufacturing.
Intertek
A global testing and inspection laboratory that performed the chemical analysis of the submitted battery components.
VTT
A research institution that previously conducted energy density measurements on the Donut V1.5 battery cell.
The details
To conduct the analysis, the Intertek lab utilized an ICP-OES instrument after diluting the battery materials into a 50 ml solution. Donut Lab provided the components in a disassembled state for this testing, which focused on the core battery materials. While researchers previously measured an energy density of 409.3 Wh/kg for the V1.5 cell, no production vehicle currently incorporates this specific battery technology.
Timeline
January 2026: Donut Lab declared its battery was ready for manufacturing.
June 2026: Researchers observed the cell behavior mirroring lithium-ion technology.
September 2026: VTT measured the cell energy density at 409.3 Wh/kg.
September 17, 2026: The original Intertek report was issued.
September 21-22, 2026: Revisions were applied to the laboratory report.
The Home Front
This report follows independent energy density benchmarks established by institutions like VTT to validate emerging battery technologies. Standardizing these testing protocols remains essential for assessing whether new power cells can meet the reliability requirements for mass-market vehicles.
Because these batteries are not currently installed in any production vehicles, there is no immediate action required for car owners or prospective buyers. Consumers should continue to rely on manufacturer-verified specifications when researching the battery systems in future electric vehicle purchases.
The takeaway
The chemical makeup of startup battery technologies is often subject to evolving verification as they move toward potential mass production. Investors and consumers should monitor official disclosures as companies bridge the gap between initial lab testing and commercial vehicle integration.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and technical standards in the Electric Vehicles industry.
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?
