Kevin's Watch

A team of researchers in Singapore have developed a next generation lithium-ion battery that can recharge a battery to 70-percent in just two minutes. That means it would charge an entire electric car in just 15 minutes. And here's the kicker: it lasts over 20 years.

Normally, it's safe to be skeptical about new battery technology, but there's something rather hopeful about this breakthrough. The new battery isn't altogether new. It's actually just an improvement upon existing lithium-ion technology.

The key comes in the form of nanostructures. Instead of the traditional graphite used to create the lithium-ion battery's anode, this new technology uses a cheap titanium dioxide gel, the same kind of material used in sunscreen to absorb UV rays. The scientists found away to turn the compound into nanostructures that speed up the charging process. And speed it up they do. This simple innovation makes lithium-ion batteries charge 20-times faster and last 20-times longer.

"With our nanotechnology, electric cars would be able to increase their range dramatically with just five minutes of charging, which is on par with the time needed to pump petrol for current cars,

Hashi Lebwohl wrote:I think I saw a related article a couple of weeks ago about a reversible battery, as well--it can deliver power or recharge in either direction, almost making it an alternating current battery.

Anyway, this is the kind of battery technology which will finally give us affordable electric cars which don't suck like the Leaf or the Volt. I love you, Tesla, but I don't have $40k to spend on your basic model and I sure as heck don't have $100k for your sporty and roomier sedan model.

Vraith wrote: On the electric cars, though...just for fun, you should go look a this beast if you haven't seen it already. [at least scroll and check the pics. Think you'll like it. It's way out of your...or most any normal person's...budget...over 500k. Never practical, but I think it's a stunning piece of work [the paint is fascinating in itself]].[/color]
www.askmen.com/cars/car_reviews/mercede ... ive-2.html

Cord Hurn wrote:Oh, that car is a beauty, Vraith...sure would be fun to practice with, considering each wheel even has its own motor...I'd either wreck or be King of the Road in a short while, I'm sure!