# Next generation of EV batteries by BYD and others - Real, Speculative, or Vaporware **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 22, 2026, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937 "2026-01-22T07:31:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/1 "2026-01-22T03:38:06Z")
BYD is well regarded and established here in Australia and will be in Canada ( wearing both my hats ) I’d advise EVERYONE considering an EV to sit tight until the reality of SSB and other non-lithium batteries settles in ( BYD will lead ). The insanely lower cost, range and charging speed will totally disrupt the LiOn industry and call into question all the billions spent on mega factories, lithium mines and geopolitical maneuvering. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/2 "2026-01-22T07:31:58Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > ( BYD will lead ) If I remember correctly, the CEO of BYD was a chemical engineer or a metallurgist or something similar in terms of educational background, and started and ran a battery company for a while. He realized early on that battery tech would be a major differentiator in the nascent EV market, and pivoted. I could be off on some of the details, but by most reports, the attention to the charging and power systems is one of the major reasons BYD seems to be ahead of its Chinese rivals and has made quicker inroads into foreign markets. There’s a major dealership here in Luxembourg and I see lots of their cars on the road. Not as many as Tesla, but they’re catching up. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/3 "2026-01-22T11:50:14Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > the reality of SSB and other non-lithium batteries I thought SSBs still use lithium. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/4 "2026-01-22T13:59:17Z")
I should have made it clearer that I was referring to the Donut SSbs The Donut Lab is made entirely from abundant, affordable, and geopolitically safe materials, does not rely on rare or sensitive elements, and demonstrates a lower cost than lithium ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/5 "2026-01-22T14:19:16Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > The Donut Lab is made entirely from abundant, affordable, and geopolitically safe materials Which materials would those be, exactly? ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/6 "2026-01-22T14:23:40Z")
The world would like to know …Donot Labs are being tight lipped. The are non-lithium batteries emerging at scale that are not SSB [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOiAhtEEgEk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOiAhtEEgEk) [https://www.facebook.com/groups/252029351211252/posts/688114690936047/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/252029351211252/posts/688114690936047/) ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/7 "2026-01-22T14:29:55Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > The world would like to know …Donot Labs are being tight lipped. It’s going to be dried puppy blood, isn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/8 "2026-01-22T14:29:57Z")
[https://www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/comments/1qcrmai/is\_this\_the\_science\_behind\_donut\_labs\_new\_solid/#:~:text=http%3A%2F%2Fssb.missgoelectric.com,the%20speed%20of%20a%20capacitor](https://www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/comments/1qcrmai/is_this_the_science_behind_donut_labs_new_solid/#:~:text=http%3A%2F%2Fssb.missgoelectric.com,the%20speed%20of%20a%20capacitor). I can’t log into the thread directly ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/9 "2026-01-22T14:30:14Z")
I’ve seen a few reviews on this. I’m getting cold fusion vibes, but hope it is real. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/10 "2026-01-22T15:30:18Z")
After a bit of poking about, I’d say it’s almost certainly a scam. Probably deserves its own thread, though, as I’m not sure what a bunch of Finnish fraudsters (or revolutionary inventors, take your pick) have to do with our banker-turned-politician PM. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/11 "2026-01-22T20:28:47Z")
I think you are ill informed. ☕ ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/12 "2026-01-22T20:43:52Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > I’d advise EVERYONE considering an EV to sit tight until the reality of SSB and other non-lithium batteries settles in ( BYD will lead ). My sense of the technology business is that there is always some great new development on the horizon and if you postpone buying until that thing is available, something else will be expected soon. So buy now, based on the best available technology (especially one that’s reliable) and at least have the benefits of the technology as it stands today. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/13 "2026-01-22T20:44:50Z")
There are very few disruptors that offer 10x cheaper…this is one. Cost are moving now…from $100 per kWh to $10… > What if the cost of powering an electric vehicle or storing renewable energy dropped by a staggering 90%? That’s the bold promise CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, is making with its new sodium-ion battery technology. By harnessing the natural abundance of sodium, an element found in something as common as table salt, CATL has slashed energy storage costs to an unprecedented $10 per kilowatt-hour. This innovation has the potential to transform not just electric vehicles (EVs) but also renewable energy systems, making clean energy more accessible than ever. Yet, as with any disruptive breakthrough, questions linger: Can this technology scale to meet global demand? And how will it fare against the entrenched dominance of lithium-ion batteries? > **[How CATL Made Batteries 90% Cheaper Using Salt : Goodbye Lithium?](https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/catl-sodium-ion-battery-packs/)** > > CATL’s sodium-ion batteries promise $10/kWh storage and 90% lower costs. See how they could transform EVs and grid energy worldwide fast. And that news is dated as the biggest manufacturer in China is now scaled up to production [https://electrek.co/2025/12/29/ev-battery-leader-catl-launching-new-cell-technology-2026/](https://electrek.co/2025/12/29/ev-battery-leader-catl-launching-new-cell-technology-2026/) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/14 "2026-01-22T20:48:12Z")
Googling, the first cars with solid-state batteries might not be available for several years. If you’re willing to wait that long, good for you. Others may want to get an electric vehicle earlier than that. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/15 "2026-01-22T20:52:20Z")
You reading Toyotas foot dragging…? It’s not only SSb from Donut Labs and others but Sodium ion that is disruptive. [https://electrek.co/2025/12/29/ev-battery-leader-catl-launching-new-cell-technology-2026/](https://electrek.co/2025/12/29/ev-battery-leader-catl-launching-new-cell-technology-2026/) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/16 "2026-01-22T20:53:32Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > You reading Toyotas foot dragging…? When did I mention Toyota or any other company? I was just making a point about the futility of waiting for the Next Big Thing. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/17 "2026-01-22T20:57:05Z")
I’ve been selling tech ( Mac ) for 40 years.. most are incremental changes…some changes are not…this is one that is disruptive both sodium ion and SSB. If the batteries are 10x cheaper, longer range, charge faster …what will that do to the residual value of all current EVs.? Why ever would you buy into now dated tech at high prices. Where you get 1,000km range [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wx2p2fN6c0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wx2p2fN6c0) &1 # 1000km range EV: Dongfeng’s solid-state battery breakthrough explained > **[MSN](https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/1000km-range-ev-dongfeng-s-solid-state-battery-breakthrough-explained/ar-AA1UkbmT?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1)** ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/18 "2026-01-22T23:55:18Z")
Cost per kWh is important, but it’s not necessarily the most important thing for an electric vehicle. For something that moves, energy density per weight and/or volume can be much more important. Cheap batteries are what you want for load-balancing in the power grid, because those can just sit there on cheap land somewhere, but I don’t think those use Li right now, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/19 "2026-01-23T02:36:40Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > I think you are ill informed. ☕ Okay, so correct my information: Donut Labs is a small, recently formed company, dating back only a few years and having a few dozen employees. They’re claiming to have developed a battery with: - double to triple the energy density of competing battery chemistries - charge an order of magnitude faster than competing battery chemistries - _two_ orders of magnitude greater cycle life than competing chemistries - cheaper to manufacture due to no exotic chemistry If true, this would be astonishingly revolutionary. Incredible, really. Massive well-funded research departments of giant corporations like Panasonic and Samsung have been working on battery chemistry for decades. A great deal of progress has been made, but mostly all incremental. This would be a massive breakthrough. Made by a tiny company with a shoestring budget. It’s an extraordinary claim, so what’s the evidence? Well, there’s some cool promo video, and they had a booth at CES. There’s a bunch of hand-waving about nano-this-and-that etc etc. There’s no 3rd party verification testing, no published science, no actual data. We’ll know soon enough. Supposedly this year’s model of the Verge TS Pro electric motorcycle will ship with the Donut Labs batteries. Either these batteries will make it into the real world, and people will be able to verify the claims. Or they’ll be vaporware, subject to shipping delays and never quite making it to release. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937/20 "2026-01-23T04:04:44Z")
Exactly, **we will know soon enough** which says - maybe hold off on that expensive lithium EV. You forget **BYD** where none of your critcism of small scale applies. [Advancements in Solid-State Batteries: BYD Sets New Standards - Autos Community - The World’s Most Trusted Automotive Content Source](https://autoscommunity.com/2026/01/01/advancements-in-solid-state-batteries-byd-sets-new-standards/#:~:text=BYD's%20recent%20disclosure%20on%20its,those%20of%20other%20leading%20OEMs). Is there a precedent for a small company to do what the majors could not that was fundamentally disruptive- yep > **[Invention of blue LEDs wins physics Nobel](https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29518521)** > > The 2014 Nobel Prize for physics is won by trio of scientists in Japan and the US for the invention of blue light emitting diodes (LED). It was a small lab at an agricultural chemical company. - **Nichia Corporation:** Nakamura developed the technology at this, at the time, small chemical company. - **Recognition:** Although the invention revolutionized lighting and made the company billions, Nakamura was initially awarded a tiny bonus of just ¥20,000 (roughly $200 USD) by his employer. Wait and watch .. too important to ignore [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-generation-of-ev-batteries-by-byd-and-others-real-speculative-or-vaporware/1026937.md?page=2)