Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists claimed a breakthrough in recharging lithium-ion batteries, increasing hybrid efficiency.
Lithium-ion batteries generate electricity as lithium ions flow across an electrolyte from an electrode to a cathode and are recharged as ions pass in the reverse direction.
The ability to store electrical energy and charge/discharge it at a fast rate is vital for hybrid or plug-in electric vehicles and as back up for variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are good at storing charge – but are less good at taking on and discharging that energy.
Now it is possible to make hybrid car systems more efficient; batteries could be recharged in minutes through the gasoline engine and when the car is braking.
The technology could also decrease the time it takes to charge the car while it’s plugged in at home and increase the distance the car can travel.
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