Battery Breakthrough Could Recharge Phones in Seconds

Scientists believe super-fast ion transfer will let technology charge ahead

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 13, 2009 3:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – MIT scientists have developed new battery technology that could potentially recharge a cell phone in seconds and an electric car in minutes, the Boston Globe reports. The researchers, who say the breakthrough could revolutionize technology and even lifestyles, have created a coating that speeds the transfer of ions into and out of rechargable lithium batteries a hundred fold.

The technology could be used for ultra-fast power packs for many devices, and may help speed the development of fully electric cars that can recharge in a reasonable time. The technology has been licensed by a Belgian company, and the scientists believe it could be available in consumer products within a couple of years for prices similar to today's batteries.

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MIT scientists believe their new battery technology could someday lead to the creation of fully electric cars that can swiftly recharge. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

MIT scientists have developed battery technology they say could charge a cell phone in under 30 seconds. (Shutter Stock)

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The ability to charge and discharge batteries in a matter of seconds rather than hours may open up new technological applications and induce lifestyle changes. - Dr. Gerbrand Ceder, lead researcher on the battery project

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

Forderon

Mar 14, 2009 2:04 AM CDT

Great, now we'll be even more dependent on and addicted to cell phones.

riffran

Mar 14, 2009 1:02 AM CDT

I haunt "science daily", a lot and I hear about similar "breakthroughs" frequently.....but you never see them afterwards in anything

Guest

Mar 13, 2009 5:33 AM CDT

I'm obviously missing something here... what's a U.S. University doing licensing a technology that could significantly change the world we live in and possibly generate millions of American jobs... to a different continent? Is America so busy financing white collar crime that we sell American technology, paid for by Americans, so that the economies of others may benefit? American ingenuity for sale... we no longer know what to do with it.

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Battery Breakthrough Could Recharge Phones in Seconds