Key Takeaways
- Verge Motorcycles claims to be developing the first production solid-state electric vehicle (EV) using Donut Lab’s battery technology.
- Delivery of new orders has been delayed to late 2026 due to safety certification processes in the EU and U.S.
- Donut Lab’s battery promises superior performance, but industry experts remain skeptical of its viability.
Verge Motorcycles Updates on Delivery Timeline
Estonian manufacturer Verge Motorcycles, in collaboration with Finnish start-up Donut Lab, has announced what it claims is the world’s first production-ready all-solid-state battery for electric motorcycles. Initially, the Verge TS Pro model, equipped with this battery, was expected to start deliveries in the first quarter of the year. However, the timeline has been adjusted, with new orders now slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.
According to CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki, the first orders received last year will be delivered as initially promised by the end of March, while new orders placed now will have a later delivery timeline. Orders made now could expect bikes to be delivered only after the certification processes are completed.
Confusion arose regarding the delivery timelines due to a report from Finnish newspaper Kauppalehti, which suggested that orders could extend into 2027. However, Lehtimäki clarified that delivery times may vary by country and that Finland and Estonia might see deliveries as early as late 2026.
Regarding the battery’s performance, Donut Lab recently claimed its solid-state battery can achieve energy densities of 400 watt-hours per kilogram, effectively doubling that of current lithium-ion options. Notable features include a rapid five-minute charging time and a lifespan of 100,000 cycles, alongside complete fire resistance. Moreover, the battery does not rely on rare earth materials, which the company argues insulates it from geopolitical risks. Despite these claims, skepticism persists among industry experts, some of whom have vocally criticized the technology’s feasibility.
The certification process in the EU and U.S. remains a critical hurdle for Verge Motorcycles; compliance with the Whole Vehicle Type Approval in the EU and adherence to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in the U.S. is mandatory before sales can commence. The certification timeline can differ significantly, ranging from several weeks to over a year. Until the company can showcase media test rides and actual customer deliveries, the promise of this innovative battery technology remains unverified and speculative.
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