01 Donut Lab’s ‘Solid‑State’ Cell Fails Independent Lithium Test, Raising Credibility Concerns
Intertek analysis finds only trace lithium, prompting doubts over the startup’s claimed solid‑state chemistry
Finland‑based startup Donut Lab has long promoted a “miracle” solid‑state battery that it claims is neither lithium‑ion nor sodium‑ion. However, an independent analysis by the UK testing firm Intertek, reported by Electrek and later echoed by CleanTechnica, found only 3.4 ppm of lithium in a cell supplied by the company. The test, which examined just lithium and sodium, concluded that the sample essentially lacks the lithium content expected of any commercial lithium‑based cell, casting serious doubt on Donut Lab’s chemistry claims.
Donut Lab responded by arguing that the low lithium concentration proves the cell operates on a different electrochemical principle, but the lack of any detectable active material raises red flags for investors and potential partners. The startup has not disclosed detailed specifications such as energy density, cycle life, or operating voltage, and no third‑party performance data have been released. The controversy is especially significant because solid‑state batteries are widely viewed as the next breakthrough for EVs, promising higher energy density and improved safety. If Donut Lab’s technology cannot be independently verified, it may erode confidence in the broader solid‑state sector, which already faces long development timelines and high capital costs.
The episode also highlights the importance of rigorous, transparent testing for emerging battery chemistries. Industry analysts note that while many startups claim “solid‑state” performance, only a handful have demonstrated reproducible results at scale. Until Donut Lab provides a full chemical analysis and performance metrics that survive independent scrutiny, its claims remain speculative.
02 Stellantis Pauses Production at French Plant Citing Battery Supply Shortage
Limited cathode material deliveries force a temporary halt to output of several models
Stellantis announced on September 29 that it will temporarily suspend part of the production line at its Poissy plant in France due to a shortage of battery cathode material. The decision, reported by Chinese outlet 第一电动, affects the assembly of several models built on the company’s new modular EV platform, including the upcoming Peugeot e‑308 and Opel Corsa‑e. Stellantis estimates the shortfall could reduce output by up to 15 % for the next two months.
The bottleneck stems from constrained supplies of nickel‑rich cathode slurry, a critical component for high‑energy‑density cells. Global demand for nickel has surged as automakers chase longer ranges, while mining projects in Indonesia and the Philippines have faced logistical delays. Stellantis has been diversifying its supply chain, signing agreements with European battery makers and exploring recycling routes, but the current shortage underscores the fragility of the supply chain during the rapid EV rollout.
Stellantis’ pause is the latest symptom of a broader industry challenge: the race to secure raw materials ahead of the 2030 target for 30 % of global vehicle sales to be electric. Analysts warn that without coordinated investment in mining, processing, and recycling infrastructure, manufacturers may face recurring production hiccups. Stellantis plans to mitigate the impact by reallocating finished‑goods inventory from other European sites and accelerating its partnership with French battery firm Saft for in‑house cathode production.
The episode may prompt other OEMs to reassess inventory buffers and accelerate vertical integration strategies, especially as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on Asian battery supply chains.
03 Geely Demonstrates Megawatt‑Level Fast‑Charging Battery That Limits Degradation
New cell architecture handles 1 MW charging power with only modest capacity loss after 1,000 cycles
Chinese automaker Geely has unveiled a new battery architecture capable of accepting up to 1 MW of charging power while maintaining a relatively low degradation rate, according to a detailed report from InsideEVs. The technology, presented at a Beijing industry forum, combines a high‑conductivity sulfide solid electrolyte with a novel electrode design that distributes heat more evenly during ultra‑fast charging.
In laboratory tests, the cell was charged from 10 % to 80 % state‑of‑charge in just four minutes at a constant 1 MW power input. After 1,000 such fast‑charge cycles, capacity loss was measured at only 12 %, comparable to conventional lithium‑ion cells subjected to standard 150 kW charging. The key to this performance is a dual‑layer separator that mitigates lithium plating and a thermal management system that keeps the cell temperature below 45 °C even under megawatt loads.
Geely plans to integrate the cells into its upcoming flagship sedan, slated for a 2028 launch, and is already in talks with several fleet operators interested in ultra‑fast‑charge depots for logistics vehicles. If the technology scales, it could dramatically reduce charging time for heavy‑duty applications, where downtime is a major cost factor.
Industry observers note that while megawatt‑level charging has been demonstrated in prototype settings, commercial deployment has been limited by infrastructure costs and grid capacity. Geely’s approach, which emphasizes cell‑level heat control rather than massive external cooling, could lower the barrier to entry for high‑power charging stations. The company also announced a partnership with a Chinese grid operator to pilot a 5 MW charging hub in Shanghai by 2027.