Innovative Estonian companies Verge Motorcycles and its technology spin-off, Donut Lab, have announced a significant breakthrough in electric motorcycle technology. At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, they revealed that the Verge TS Pro motorcycle will be the first to utilize solid-state batteries, promising a new era for electric vehicles. These batteries are set to begin shipping in the first quarter of this year, marking a notable achievement in a field where traditional automotive giants like Toyota and General Motors have struggled.
The Verge TS Pro motorcycle will incorporate Donut Lab’s cutting-edge solid-state batteries, which utilize ceramic materials instead of lithium or liquid electrolytes. This innovation aims to enhance safety, reduce weight, and improve both charging performance and speed. Buyers can choose between two battery options: a 20.2-kilowatt-hour pack or a 33.3-kilowatt-hour pack, both boasting an impressive energy density of 400 watt-hours per kilogram. This is a substantial improvement over typical lithium-ion batteries, which generally range from 200 to 300 watt-hours per kilogram.
Significant Range and Performance Improvements
The Verge TS with the larger battery is expected to achieve a range of up to 600 kilometers (approximately 370 miles), more than double that of most electric motorcycles currently on the market. Additionally, the motorcycle is designed to charge from 20 percent to nearly full in under 10 minutes, thanks to its 200-kilowatt peak rate. The starting price for the TS Pro is set at $29,900 in the U.S., with the larger battery option costing an additional $5,000.
Despite these promising advancements, skepticism surrounds the practicality of solid-state technology. Experts, including Kurt Kelty, former battery chief at Tesla, caution that such technologies are still years away from widespread adoption. Ville Piippo, co-founder and CTO of Donut Lab, acknowledged this skepticism but emphasized their unique approach. “If the world is pouring billions and billions of dollars into solid state, why haven’t they figured this out?” he remarked.
Game-Changing Motor and Design Features
The Verge TS Pro stands out not only for its battery technology but also for its distinctive design. The motorcycle features a hubless rear wheel powered by Donut Lab’s latest motor, which weighs just 21 kilograms, significantly lighter than previous models. This motor produces 102 kilowatts (about 137 horsepower) and delivers an impressive 1,000 Newton-meters of peak torque, enabling a swift 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds.
Marko Lehtimäki, co-founder and CTO of Verge Motorcycles, affirmed the credibility of their claims, stating, “It cannot be purely bullshit, or otherwise we’ll be destroying our reputation with consumers.” He also noted that the companies are prepared to offer media rides and factory tours to demonstrate their technology.
Beyond motorcycles, Verge and Donut are exploring joint projects, including a tactical buggy and drone platform in collaboration with the ESOX Group. These developments may pave the way for entirely new vehicle types, addressing long-standing challenges in electric vehicle design.
In the broader context of electric vehicles, the CES showcased various innovative technologies. For instance, Donut Lab’s motors are set to power a limited-production sports car from Longbow, whose new model aims for a lightweight design. As the electric vehicle market evolves, the success of Verge Motorcycles and Donut Lab may signal a shift in how electric mobility is perceived and developed globally.
