There's a new Battery on the Block

It has always been the big heavy batteries with the long recharge rates that have kept electric vehicles from becoming a completely viable and practical everyday ride. Well, that's about to change. Toshiba Corporation has recently announced a battery that can be recharged to 90 percent of its capacity in less than five minutes. Best of all, it has a ten year life expectancy.

Dubbed the Super Charge ion battery, it will initially be manufactured for forklifts, construction equipment and miscellaneous industrial use. And with a 5000 charge life cycle and quick recharge rate, this is a natural developmental stepping stone to personal transportation. Way to go, Toshiba ... lighter, safer and more efficient lithium ion batteries are the key to bringing plug-in hybrids and pure electrics to the masses.

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