Fast charger
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Toshiba Corporation has developed a prototype lithium-ion battery that makes long recharge times a thing of the past.
In use, 80% of the energy capacity of the 600mAh battery can be recharged in just one minute, approximately 60 times faster than lithium-ion batteries in use today. The battery also has a long life cycle, losing only 1% of capacity after 1,000 cycles of discharging and recharging.
Better yet, the small battery, which is just 3.8mm thick, 62mm high and 35mm deep, also has a long life cycle. It loses only 1% of capacity after 1,000 cycles of discharging and recharging.
It can also operate at very low temperatures. At minus 40 degrees centigrade, the battery can discharge 80% of its capacity, against 100% in an ambient temperature of 25 degree centigrade.
Toshiba intends to bring the new rechargeable battery to market in 2006. Initial applications will be in the automotive and industrial sectors.
