{
“title”: “Verge Motorcycles Claims World’s First Solid-State Electric Motorcycle Production”,
“content”: “
Estonian company Verge Motorcycles has announced the commencement of production for what it asserts is the world’s first electric motorcycle powered by an all-solid-state battery. This significant milestone, revealed on Tuesday, pertains to the second-generation TS Pro model, which has been outfitted with a novel solid-state battery developed by Finnish startup Donut Lab.
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A Leap Forward in EV Battery Technology
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If Verge Motorcycles’ claims are validated, the TS Pro would not only be the first motorcycle of its kind but also the inaugural production vehicle globally to feature a solid-state battery pack. This technology has long been considered the “holy grail” of battery development, promising substantial improvements in range, charging speeds, safety, and longevity for electric vehicles.
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Despite its potential, mass manufacturing of defect-free solid-state batteries has proven exceptionally challenging, preventing major automotive manufacturers and numerous startups from commercializing the technology. Companies like Toyota, CATL, and Samsung have been investing heavily in this area for years.
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Donut Lab’s Groundbreaking Claims
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Finnish startup Donut Lab garnered significant attention at CES earlier this year by announcing the development of the world’s first production-ready all-solid-state battery. The company presented extraordinary performance metrics, including an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, a lifespan of 100,000 charging cycles, the elimination of rare-earth materials, and a remarkable full charge time of just five minutes.
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For context, current mainstream EV batteries typically offer energy densities between 200-250 Wh/kg. Even advanced systems like those in China’s BYD cars, equipped with megawatt charging capabilities, do not achieve a full charge from empty in a mere five minutes.
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Addressing Industry Skepticism
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The initial announcement from Donut Lab was met with considerable skepticism from industry experts due to a lack of independent data. While the company has since released independent test results, these have not disclosed the battery’s underlying chemistry or its cycle life, leaving critical details undisclosed.
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However, Donut Lab had previously stated that its cells would be integrated into production motorcycles by the end of the first quarter. Verge Motorcycles’ announcement suggests this timeline is being met, bringing these ambitious claims closer to real-world validation.
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Verge TS Pro: Specifications and Pricing
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The new Verge TS Pro will be available in two configurations. The Standard Battery variant offers a 20.2 kWh capacity (17 kWh usable) and is rated by the manufacturer for an estimated 217 miles of range. The Large Battery version increases capacity to 33.3 kWh (30 kWh usable), providing an estimated range of 370 miles.
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Pricing for the TS Pro begins at $29,990 in the U.S., exclusive of taxes and fees. Opting for the larger battery will incur an additional cost of $5,000, with a reservation fee of $100 required.
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Performance and Charging Enhancements
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The range figures for the standard pack are comparable to the previous lithium-ion powered model. However, the second-generation bike introduces significant advancements in charging speed.
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While the first-generation TS Pro required approximately 35 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%, the new model can reportedly achieve a 10% to 80% charge in about 12 minutes. Verge Motorcycles claims a peak charging rate of 200 kW, an unusually high figure for a motorcycle battery of this size. If these charging speeds are confirmed through real-world testing, they represent a substantial achievement.
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On paper, performance remains impressive. Both TS Pro variants are capable of generating 737 pound-feet of torque, delivered via the company’s distinctive hubless rear-wheel motor. Acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour is quoted at 3.5 seconds.
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Delivery Timelines and Future Outlook
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Verge Motorcycles had previously indicated to InsideEVs in February that deliveries for early reservation holders would commence within the first quarter. For new orders placed now, customers can expect delivery towards the end of the current year.
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Industry observers will be closely monitoring further independent test results from Donut Lab and examining customer bikes upon delivery to ascertain the precise composition of this new solid-state battery technology.
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”
}