Nanotech Battery Claims to Solve Electric Car Woes

rbgrn writes "A123 Systems claims to have invented a Lithium Ion battery that not only can discharge at very high rates of current but can be recharged very quickly without damage to the cells or overheating. From their website: 'A unique feature of A123Systems' M1 cells is their ability to charge to high capacity in 5 minutes or less. That's a significant improvement over traditional Li Ion, which typically requires more than 90 minutes to reach a similar level of charge.' Using this technology, General Motors has announced a plug-in hybrid SUV and Venture Vehicles is developing a fully electric 3 wheel vehicle. Politics aside, the main technological hurdle to mass adoption of electric cars has been a fuel station replacement when driving distances beyond a single charge worth of range. Will we finally be seeing high current recharge stations in the next decade?"

Re:conservation of energy

[Teresita]

So now we're gonna have to burn more coal (which pollutes more than nuclear) to power this.

Ah, yes, but America is the Saudi Arabia of coal. The whole idea is to wean America off the Saudia Arabia of oil, which is Saudi Arabia.

Re:conservation of energy

[ray-auch]

Not so much can't be bothered as can't see how. For me (and many others who live with on-street parking) I'm lucky to get my car within 50yds of the house when I get home at night.

Sure, I could buy a really long extension cable and run it down the street. Wonder how much I'll get sued for when someone trips over it ? Probably won't last that long though - the passing drunks who usually swing on wing mirrors will find it far too tempting...

Re:conservation of energy

[theshowmecanuck]

Yes, but you're assuming the earth is made of silicon... ummmm... never mind.

Re:Nope

[arodland]

Now that's what I call a solution! Run my car on the finest in clean-burning propane and propane accessories!