Power packs

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Companies in the UK are helping to improve batteries and chargers, and cut the costs associated with charger systems. Matthew Peach explains.

According to research, over 70 billion batteries worth more than e30bn (£20bn) are produced annually, and the race to produce more powerful and longer-lasting batteries is being hotly contested by manufacturers worldwide.

BCC Research (Norwalk, CT) also found that the relatively new portable electronic device market alone is worth hundreds of billions, and it depends almost entirely on the latest battery technology in tandem with evolving recharger technology.

But besides the phenomenal growth of relatively new battery materials, such as lithium metal hydride, and a size and weight reduction of about 40 per cent, the higher power areas continue to be served by established lead-acid batteries.

Electric hybrid vehicles have demonstrated the ability to get 30–40km per litre using a combination of batteries and small combustion engines. In the US, this market has been growing at an annual rate of 80 per cent, and in Asia over a million are on the road.

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