Sony boosts rechargeable batteries

Sony on Tuesday announced a new type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery that promises a life span more than four times that of current lithium-ions. Specifically, Sony touts a capacity retention north of 80 per cent after 2,000 charge-discharge cycles.

Without getting too technical, the new battery uses as its cathode material olivine-type lithium iron phosphate, which Sony says is ideal for the job "due to its robust crystal structure and stable performance, even at high temperatures".

The material also apparently contributes to the battery's faster charging time. It can hit 99 per cent of its full capacity in 30 minutes -- approximately half the charge time of Sony's current lithium ion battery line, which mainly use cobalt oxide-based cathodes.

For the moment, the batteries will only be showing up in motor-driven devices such as power tools -- so if you own a cordless band saw, you're in luck. Those of us who just need to worry about powering our mice and dinosaurs, however, will have to wait a little while.

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Source: New Sony battery promises longer life, faster charge on Crave US

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