Donut Lab Episode 14: Censorship and The Nail Test
- Paul Roberts
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Donut Lab is back with another episode of I Donut Believe, and this time there is a lot we don't get to see.
Episode 14 centres around an independent verification of Donut's controversial bipolar battery cell claims from the previous episode, followed by a nail penetration test. The catch? Much of the evidence has been censored.
For more Donut Lab news, visit our Donut Lab page.
Independent Verification — Sort Of
Donut says it has handed one of its battery cells to an independent third party for verification. The identity of the verifier has been censored from the video, with Donut offering viewers the opportunity to find out who it is by signing an NDA.
We've applied for the NDA ourselves. But even if it comes through, we won't be able to report anything covered by the agreement.
According to Donut, the verifier confirmed the bipolar cell structure discussed in Episode 13 and physically dismantled the cell, finding multiple chemical layers stacked in series inside it.
Donut says shared plates form the electrodes on either side, meaning this is a genuine bipolar cell rather than multiple conventional cells wired together inside one casing.
That's significant because Donut claims this structure is only possible using a solid electrolyte. If correct, it provides further evidence for its solid-state battery claim.
Then Comes The Nail
Unfortunately, we don't get to see the nail penetration test either because that footage has been censored. But nail tests aren't exactly new.
LiFePO₄ batteries are generally more resistant to thermal runaway than some other lithium-ion chemistries, and have been shown to survive nail penetration tests, but it depends on the cell and test conditions.
I was sent a similar video recently by a battery supplier in China, showing a nail being hammered through a battery cell. We can't independently verify that video either, but the point is, these videos aren't particularly rare.
The significance here is that the nail test itself isn't proof of solid-state technology. What it does demonstrate is the potential for improved battery safety, but Donut hasn't shown us its test.
If we give them the benefit of the doubt, then sure, a safer battery should require less physical protection, potentially reducing weight, bulk and, more importantly, cost.
For an electric motorcycle, that's important.
The BCB Take
So, what did we actually learn from Episode 14? Not a huge amount. We didn't see the independent verification, the cell being dismantled or the nail test. We're essentially taking Donut's word for what happened. But Donut Lab isn't backing down. Despite the constant accusations of vapourware, the company continues to put out demonstrations and explanations.
What does make us wonder is why these episodes are getting further apart. If Donut is trying to prove a point, why is it taking so long? Could development simply be slower than we've been led to believe? Could commercial or military interest be slowing down what Donut can reveal? Or is the company deliberately stretching out the story?
The honest answer is that we don't know yet.
Once the NDA comes through, we'll get the details, research them heavily ourselves and get back to you with our opinion. But until then, roll on Episode 15.
As we've said throughout this series, Donut Lab is writing the narrative here. Until someone independent can properly examine the technology, we're still watching the story rather than verifying the science. You can watch the latest video yourself below.
And for now, that's exactly what Episode 14 is.
Ride safe, folks.
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