Back-to-the-Future Battery Spells Good News for Energy

Back-to-the-Future Battery Spells Good News for Energy

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Scientists have given a 21st-century makeover to the nickel-iron battery, a gadget conceived by Thomas Edison during the era of the steam engine and horse and buggy. The upgraded battery can be recharged in around two and half minutes, as opposed to several hours at present, and discharges in under 30 seconds.

Because it can store and release energy so quickly, the battery could be a boon for the renewable-energy industry and also help power cars as Edison originally envisaged, the researchers say.