I read about a new battery technology the other day, which I think could be an important part of the future for EVs. Clearly the problem with most EVs is range because if you run out of power then it can take several hours to recharge.
A team led by Paul Braun, professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois, have developed nanostructure metal foam that can been used to make a small lithium-ion battery. The resulting battery can be charged to 90% in just two minutes. If the method can be further developed laptops could perhaps charge in a few minutes or eventually, perhaps even EVs may be able to recharge in 10 or 15 minutes? Not much longer than stopping for a tank of fuel.
The team made porous metal foams and coated this with a large amount of active battery material using electroplating techniques. The structure contains enough active material to store a sufficient amount of energy even though it is porous, which then has the advantage that ions can move easily.
Interesting stuff! More information at: http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/37324/
Tom
