Edie Lush

Battery powered

A new generation of viral batteries could mean a breakthrough for electric cars

Whether it’s a mobile petering out mid-call, or a laptop with “lazy battery syndrome” holding ever-smaller amounts of charge, most gadget owners know the problems dying batteries bring. For most of us this powerlessness is an occasional inconvenience, but for hi-tech manufacturers and scientists it is one of the biggest limitations on plans to build a new generation of electronic devices. And nowhere is this more of a problem than among those seeking to tackle climate change.

Scientists and entrepreneurs are dreaming up plans for new electronic car batteries that can charge faster and longer—some even using “viral” technology—to help reduce the 20 per cent global greenhouse gas emissions generated by transport. Indeed for many green technology enthusiasts there is no task more vital than rebooting the humble car battery. Build a battery that can power a car for 300 miles and you are halfway to a world without oil. Build one that charges in the time it takes to fill a tank of petrol, and you have the makings of a commercial hit too.

This was written for Prospect Magazine , which you can Download