At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, two Estonian companies have made a significant announcement that could change the landscape of electric vehicles. Verge Motorcycles, alongside its technology spin-off Donut Lab, has revealed that the new Verge TS Pro motorcycle will be the first to feature solid-state batteries. The motorcycle is set to begin shipping in the first quarter of this year, a milestone that industry giants like Tesla and Toyota have yet to achieve.
While building a limited number of batteries for a motorcycle is considerably less complex than validating thousands of batteries for a mass-produced car, the achievement is nonetheless noteworthy. The TS Pro will utilize Donut Lab’s innovative solid-state batteries, which are expected to outperform conventional lithium-ion batteries in several key areas. The batteries will be produced in Finland, just across the Gulf of Finland from Estonia.
Electric motorcycles have often faced challenges such as short riding ranges and lengthy charging times. With the introduction of the TS Pro, Verge and Donut Lab claim to have addressed these issues. The motorcycle will come equipped with batteries that replace traditional lithium and liquid electrolytes with ceramics. This shift not only reduces weight but also enhances safety and charging performance. Customers can opt for either a 20.2-kilowatt-hour or a 33.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, boasting an impressive energy density of 400 watt-hours per kilogram, a notable improvement over the 200-300 watt-hours per kilogram typical of lithium batteries.
Exceptional Performance and Range
The Verge TS’s Large Battery version promises a range of up to 600 kilometers (approximately 370 miles), more than double that of standard electric motorcycles. With a peak charging rate of 200 kilowatts, the bike can recharge from 20 percent to near-full capacity in under ten minutes. The starting price for the TS Pro is set at $29,900 in the U.S., with the Large Battery option adding another $5,000.
Despite the excitement surrounding solid-state technology, skepticism remains among industry experts. Notably, Kurt Kelty, former battery chief at Tesla and now with General Motors, has expressed that solid-state technology is still several years away from being commercially viable. Ville Piippo, co-founder and CTO of Donut Lab, acknowledged this skepticism but emphasized the unique approach their companies are taking. He pointed out that many established players have focused on the wrong aspects of battery development.
“We are doing things a different way,” Piippo said. “If the world is pouring billions of dollars into solid state, why haven’t they figured this out?”
Innovative Design and Future Projects
The TS Pro’s distinctive hubless rear wheel design sets it apart from other electric motorcycles. Donut’s latest hubless motor weighs just 21 kilograms, which is significantly lighter than previous models. It generates 102 kilowatts (137 horsepower) and a remarkable 1,000 Newton-meters of peak torque, allowing the bike to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 102 kph) in just 3.5 seconds. While this performance is impressive for an electric motorcycle, it does not yet rival the speed of traditional combustion-engine sport bikes.
Marko Lehtimäki, co-founder and CTO of Verge, shared insights into the challenges the companies face in gaining public trust. “All the claims made by other companies have made it hard for us to be believable, but the reality is that solid state has arrived,” he stated. Both Verge and Donut Lab are eager to demonstrate their technologies through media rides, tech demonstrations, and factory tours in the near future.
The collaboration between Verge and Donut Lab extends beyond motorcycles. They are also working on innovative projects, including a tactical buggy and a drone platform in partnership with ESOX Group. Lehtimäki noted that these advancements could pave the way for new types of vehicles that have previously been unattainable.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, the focus on lightweight designs remains critical. Current challenges include balancing battery weight with performance and range. The CES 2026 event showcased a variety of technological advancements from emerging companies in the sector. Among these was a limited-production sports car powered by Donut’s in-wheel motors, introduced by the U.K. start-up Longbow. Their model, the Speedster, aims to combine lightweight construction with efficient performance.
With the electric vehicle landscape rapidly changing, Verge Motorcycles and Donut Lab’s breakthrough at CES 2026 could signal the beginning of a new era in solid-state battery technology and its application in the motorcycle industry. As they prepare to deliver the TS Pro, the world will be watching closely to see if they can fulfill their ambitious promises.
