Eco Factor: Rapid-charging battery from Toshiba.
Toshiba has announced the development of a new kind of lithium-ion battery that needs just 5 minutes of charge time for 90% charging. Known as SCiB or Super Charge Ion Battery, the battery is claimed to be much safer that other types of commercially available batteries that are prone to fire hazards. The battery makes use of a lithium-titanium oxide cathode, which makes the batteries more stable when compared to other batteries available today. The company aims to begin mass production in March 2009, which should make electric cars more viable and easy to own.
The Dark Side:
In an effort to cut down the charging time, Toshiba has lost on the battery’s long life performance. The company has claimed that the batteries have a useable life span of just 10 years, which should be improved if they want to see their batteries powering electric cars of the future.
Via: MetaEfficient
