A recent groundbreaking study has led to success in increasing charging capacity and speed of lithium ion batteries. Professor Harold Kung and his group of engineers at Northwestern University have accomplished this feat by adjusting graphene layers, which are directly related to how fast charging can occur. Now, charging capcity and speed increase by a factor of ten, just by poking small holes in the battery's graphene layers.

Additionally, Kung's team also increased the density of lithium ions, which allowed for their test-batteries to last for over a week on a single charge. (The science behind it isn't so simple, of course.) The downside is that these lithium-ion batteries lost their fast-charging long-lasting abilities after roughly 150 charges, which is a drastic difference in how long lithium-ion batteries normally last.

If perfected, this science could help create the next generation lithium-ion battery. Check out the source link below for more info.

Source: northwestern.edu

That's right: 198 lbs, or 90 kg's, of pure power. This monster battery was created by Sony in the event of a blackout for large companies, universities, governments and networks. And with 2.4kWh of power, holding a maximum load of 1000VA, you bet that this emergency power source will be able to handle quite a bit. It can even charge up to 95% capacity in 2 hours. I don't think my old laptop even does that.

Made out of Olivine-type Lithium-ion Phosphate batteries (say that 10 times really fast), the ESSP-2000 was designed to last more than 10 years, say Sony. Check out their (translated) press release in the link below.

Source: Sony

Elon Musk, CEO of famed motor company Tesla, admits he believes that the long term war of energy in vehicles would be won by capacitors, not batteries. An ironic statement, coming from the man whose business currently utilizes numerous lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. It's also a statement with a lot of weight behind it, considering the other accomplishments Musk has in his belt (including having a hand in the creation of PayPal).

"If I were to make a prediction, I'd think there's a good chance that it is not batteries. but capacitors," stated Musk recently while at the Cleanteach Forum in San Francisco.

Currently, batteries continue to be a leading resource for energy throughout the world. Musk's statement, however, is backed by the knowledge behind capacitors and ultracapacitors. For example, unlike batteries, they can withstand more charge / discharge cycles.

More research is needed behind capacitors and ultracapacitors, and before that happens, batteries will continue to provide the energy needed for many electronic devices. But perhaps one day, Musk's prediction that capacitors "will supercede" batteries will come true.

Source: GigaOm

Better Place marks itself as, “The global provider of electric vehicle networks and services.” Better Place launched switchable-electric battery powered taxies to run in Tokyo. Battery packs are equipped with the latest lithium-ion battery technology and 95% of the battery material can be recycled and reused. Range is about 100 miles and recharge time is between 4-8 hours. The EV battery lifespan is expected to be 8 years with over 2000 recharges. You can check out the new electric cars by Better Place with detailed specifications, plans and vision.