New Sony rechargeable battery charges faster and lasts longer

01:51 August 12, 2009 PDT

Sony's new rechargeable batteries that use Olivine-type Lithium Iron Phosphate as the cathode material

We cover our fair share of battery technology breakthroughs here at Gizmag, from lithium-sulfur batteries to NanoEnergy batteries. But it’s less often that we get to report on new and improved batteries actually hitting the market. So it was nice to learn that Sony has launched a new type of rechargeable Li-ion battery that promises an extended life span more than four times that of existing Li-ion batteries and can be charged to 99 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes - approximately half the charge time of Sony’s current Li-ion battery line up.

The new batteries use Olivine-type lithium phosphate as a cathode, which Sony says is well suited for the purpose due to its robust crystal structure and stable performance, even at high temperatures. Sony combined this new cathode material with its particle design technology to minimize electrical resistance and deliver a high power density of 1800W/kg and extended life span with the batteries boasting a 80 percent capacity retention after 2,000 charge-discharge cycles.

Since the new batteries are able to charge rapidly and provide a stable discharge of voltage, Sony has decided to initially supply the batteries for use in motor-driven devices such as power tools, but says it will expand their application to a wide range of other mobile electric devices in the future.

Sony began shipping the new batteries in July, so expect some power tools packing the new battery technology to start appearing soon.

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User Comments (5)

So, how about some specs on the batteries? Voltage? How many amp hours? Format? Are AA's available? Is a 12Volt pack available? How well do they do in cold weather? Is there a link to more information?

Stretch@StiltWalker.com

- August 12, 2009 @ 09:08 am PDT

Yeah. What Stretch said... in particular is there a 12v pack available and could it be used for automotive applications including electric cars?

Ludwig Heinrich

- August 12, 2009 @ 11:08 pm PDT

Interested to hear on the capabilities of the batteries in applications on a larger scale. Remote area supplies, renewable lighting and power applications, telemetry and communication installations. As Stretch comments, what is the effect of cold weather? And the big question......$$$$$$$

Eric Hill

- August 13, 2009 @ 04:08 pm PDT

Uhhhh, for specs try the Sony link in the article.

FredEx

- August 14, 2009 @ 09:08 pm PDT

http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200908/09-083E/index.html

That's the link to Sony's description and official press release about the batteries, and here's the punchline:

1. Power density: 1800W/kg (20A continuous discharge)

2. Long-life: more than 80% capacity retention after 2,000 charge-discharge cycles

3. Rapid charging: 99% charge completed in 30 minutes

or, more technically,

Cell type Cylindrical type 18650