Donut Lab battery overheated too much in tests: Here's how the battery professor analyzed the results
The performance of Donut Lab's battery in recent tests has raised concerns due to overheating during a high-stress charging test.
Recent assessments carried out by VTT on Donut Lab's battery technology have generated significant attention, showcasing the capabilities of the battery to achieve impressive charging speeds. The battery was able to charge up to 80% in just 4.5 minutes in a demanding 11C test, which has piqued the interest of many, highlighting the stakes involved in battery innovation.
However, as experts delved deeper into the results, alarming details surfaced, particularly concerning the thermal performance of the battery under extreme loads. During the same 11C test, the battery cell overheated to such an extent that the test had to be terminated, raising serious questions about the safety and reliability of the technology. Such findings indicate that while the charging speed is promising, the thermal management of the battery could pose risks that need to be addressed.
Professor Tanja Kallio from Aalto University elaborated on the findings, emphasizing that while rapid charging capabilities are sought after in the industry, ensuring stable temperatures during operation is crucial. These revelations may impact further development and commercialization of Donut Lab’s battery technology, as safety becomes a paramount concern in battery manufacturing and deployment.