A solid-state battery designed for battery electric vehicles has achieved a charging time comparable to refueling at a gas station, potentially removing a significant obstacle to mass electric vehicle adoption. Unveiled by Donut Lab at CES 2026, the mass-produced battery is engineered to fully recharge an electric vehicle in around five minutes. This development represents a world-first for a production-ready solid-state EV battery and marks a substantial leap from current lithium-ion technology, which typically requires much longer charging periods.
The implications of this advancement are considerable for the automotive industry and consumer adoption of electric vehicles. Range anxiety and lengthy charging times have consistently been cited as primary concerns deterring potential buyers from switching to electric vehicles. By reducing charging time to approximately five minutes, this technology could make electric vehicles as convenient as traditional internal combustion engine vehicles for long-distance travel and daily use. The adoption of these new batteries could open immense opportunities for many EV makers, including Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: RIVN), to appeal to a broader range of consumers.
Solid-state batteries differ from conventional lithium-ion batteries by using a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid or gel. This design generally offers higher energy density, improved safety, and faster charging capabilities. The announcement from Donut Lab indicates that these theoretical advantages have been successfully engineered into a mass-producible format suitable for the automotive market. The demonstration at CES 2026, a major technology exhibition, provides a public platform for validating the battery's claimed performance.
The successful mass production of such a battery could accelerate the timeline for widespread electric vehicle adoption. Faster charging infrastructure would need to evolve in parallel to support these new batteries, potentially driving investment in next-generation charging stations. For consumers, the reduction of charging time to a few minutes addresses a practical and psychological barrier, making electric vehicles a more viable option for households without consistent overnight charging access or for commercial fleets requiring minimal downtime. The technology's debut suggests a near-future where electric vehicle ownership is not defined by lengthy charging stops, potentially reshaping transportation energy consumption patterns.
