en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 28th, The commercialization process of solid-state battery technology is accelerating. Donut Lab is testing its solid-state battery cells in the Verge TS Pro electric motorcycle battery pack, while ION Storage Systems is preparing to launch Cornerstone solid-state battery production. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Energy has granted $1.9 billion for grid upgrades, and PPL Electric Utilities plans to roll out over 55 grid projects.
Donut Lab is testing solid-state battery cells in an 18 kWh battery pack, achieving a charging speed three times faster than the original lithium-ion battery pack. Tests show that the pack maintains over 100 kW peak power at a 5C charging rate, taking only 5 minutes to charge from 10% to 50%. The testing was conducted at an ambient temperature of 20°C using public fast chargers, demonstrating the thermal stability of the air-cooled battery pack. The company will begin production of the 18 kWh battery pack and plans to develop a 30 kWh version, offering a range of up to 600 kilometers.
ION Storage Systems is advancing its plan for Cornerstone solid-state battery production. The battery has passed customer certification, moving from a laboratory prototype to a commercially ready stage. The company sent samples to industrial and automotive companies in late summer last year. Cornerstone employs a compression-free, anode-free solid-state architecture, reducing the need for pressure systems and improving energy density and safety. Solid-state batteries do not use liquid electrolytes, offering better high-temperature stability and lower flammability risk. Production will begin this year at the company's Beltsville, Maryland facility, which will be expanded and equipped with high-capacity sintering furnaces.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity has opened a $1.9 billion funding opportunity for urgently needed grid upgrades. The program, named "Strengthening Power through Accelerated Replacement of Key conductors and other critical Advanced Transmission technologies (SPARK)," aims to upgrade the grid quickly and durably to meet growing energy demands. Reconductor refers to replacing existing lines with higher-capacity conductors. Projects may focus on grid resilience, smart grids, or innovation. Applicants must submit concept papers by April 2nd and complete applications by May 20th, with the DOE selecting projects for funding in August.
PPL Electric Utilities, serving 29 counties in Pennsylvania, plans to launch over 55 major grid projects in 2026. The projects include expanding smart grid technology to detect and restore power, replacing aging underground cables and hundreds of miles of overhead facilities, rerouting underground lines to enhance resilience during extreme weather, and proactive tree trimming along more than 4,750 miles of lines. These projects are part of PPL's multi-year grid modernization plan, to which the company has committed $8 billion for infrastructure improvements.
