New battery promises 0-320km of range in six minutes

A new prototype battery from Toshiba could make recharging an electric car as quick and simple as filling the gas tank.

Toshiba has been building and developing lithium-ion batteries for automotive use since 2008, and, for its latest-generation cell, which it hopes to take from prototype to production reality before the end of 2019, it has developed a new anode using titanium niobium oxide. By going with this material, rather than graphite as is the norm, the new battery’s storage capacity is doubled. And more importantly, it is less likely to start breaking down as a result of constant re-charging.

“We are very excited by the potential of the new titanium niobium oxide anode and the next-generation [battery],” said Dr. Osamu Hori, Director of Corporate Research & Development Center at Toshiba Corporation. “Rather than an incremental improvement, this is a game changing advance that will make a significant difference to the range and performance of EV.”

Indeed, Toshiba claims that after six minutes of ultra-rapid charging, this particular battery, if fitted in a compact car, would be sufficient to add 320km of range. What’s more, the new materials ensure that it operates at a safe temperature and in lifecycle testing retains 90% of …read more