Donut Lab Battery Test 3 - NOT What I Expected!

Donut Lab Battery Test 3 - NOT What I Expected!

Title history
  • Donut Lab Battery Test 3 - NOT What I Expected! — observed on 20261101-0134 UTC (YouTube)

by Two Bit da Vinci · View the channel on PSI

Applied Sciences & Engineering Energy THYEnergy, power generation, distribution and storageTHYBBattery technology
🎙 Two Bit da Vinci 👥 817K 📅 March 10, 2026 ⏱ 11 min 👁 221K 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-11-01
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

solid-state batteryself-dischargevoltage fingerprintNMCsodium-ion

Summary

In this video, Ricky from Two Bit da Vinci analyzes the third third-party validation test conducted by VTT on Donut Lab’s solid-state battery. The test measured self-discharge over ten days: the cell retained 97.7% of its charge, which is slightly worse than conventional lithium-ion cells (typically ~99% retention). The creator compares this to published data for NMC, LFP, and sodium-ion batteries, noting that Donut’s result is not exceptional but understandable for a prototype. A key finding is the voltage fingerprint at 50% state of charge (3.745V), which aligns with high-nickel NMC or high-voltage sodium-ion layered oxides, but cannot distinguish between them. By comparing the voltage profiles across all three tests, Ricky argues that the same chemistry is used in all cells, ruling out the possibility of switching chemistries between tests. The video also discusses the limitations of the test, noting that major claims like energy density, cycle life, and cold-weather performance remain unaddressed. The creator ranks the top ten community questions and expresses mild disappointment at the lack of substantive progress, while acknowledging the entertainment and educational value of the series. He also highlights recent battery breakthroughs from BYD (Blade 2) and CL’s NATRA as context. The video includes a sponsorship segment for Mammoth AI.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides substantial value by breaking down a technical test into comprehensible terms, comparing results with existing battery data, and identifying the most diagnostic parameters (e.g., voltage fingerprint) that the original report overlooked. The argumentation is solid: the creator systematically evaluates the self-discharge data against multiple chemistries, explains the implications of slight underperformance, and uses three tests’ consistency to counter a common criticism about potential chemistry swapping. He also clearly separates what the data shows from what remains unknown, and honestly admits when a test is underwhelming. The reasoning is logical, backed by numbers and references to previous episodes, and the creator maintains a neutral, evidence-based perspective.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates good scientific rigor by referencing the VTT report (though no direct link is provided) and by citing published self-discharge data for various chemistries. The creator is transparent about the limitations of the data and the difficulty of drawing definitive conclusions from voltage alone. However, the absence of explicit citations or URLs for the primary data weakens direct verification, and the reliance on the creator’s own compilation of ‘published data’ is not fully auditable. The title is accurate and aligns with the content, as the creator expresses disappointment while delivering a detailed analysis. The channel’s reputation for critical analysis is upheld, and the video avoids overhyping or dismissing the claims without evidence.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: the creator expresses disappointment about the test's scope while providing an in-depth analysis of the results.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The analysis is based on a third-party test report (VTT) and cross-referenced with published data on other battery chemistries. The creator maintains a balanced, skeptical yet open-minded stance, clearly distinguishing between verified data and interpretation. However, the absence of direct links to the primary sources and reliance on the creator's own compilation of data slightly limit direct verifiability.

Chapters

Concurring Sources

  • BYD Blade 2 battery — Mentioned in the video as a recent advancement with 8C fast charging in mass production.
  • CL's NATRA sodium-ion battery — Cited as a lithium-free sodium-ion battery with ~175 Wh/kg, already shipping in vehicles.

External References

Contribution & Novelties

The main original contribution is the cross-test analysis showing consistent electrochemical fingerprints across three independent cells, effectively debunking the notion that Donut Lab might use different chemistries for different tests. Additionally, the video highlights the voltage fingerprint at 50% SOC as a key diagnostic that was not mentioned by Donut Lab, and contextualizes the self-discharge result within the broader landscape of commercial batteries. It also synthesizes community questions and provides a critical perspective on the marketing pacing of the campaign.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Solid-state battery — Provides background on the technology and its challenges.
  • Self-discharge — Explains the phenomenon and typical rates for various battery chemistries.
  • Sodium-ion battery — Contextualizes the voltage and performance characteristics compared to lithium-based cells.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows a well-balanced video with strong performance in information quality and technical depth, while quantity and global reliability are slightly lower due to the narrow scope of the test. The moderate-to-high scores across all dimensions indicate a credible and informative analysis with room for improvement in providing direct source links and broader context.

Reliability 7/10

💬 positif — Les téléspectateurs saluent unanimement la rigueur et la neutralité de l'analyse, tout en exprimant un scepticisme mesuré envers Donut Lab et un désir de voir les tests aborder des aspects plus fondamentaux comme la densité énergétique.