The biggest hurdle that EVs must overcome before they can truly enter the mainstream is charge time. Innovators like Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, believe that EVs will one day utilize ultra capacitors which can both store a great amount of energy and charge very quickly—a feature that would dramatically increase the convenience factor and practicality of an electric car. But sources say that another technology in development now could make fast charging a reality even sooner.
A new type of battery is being researched at the University of Illinois that is pushing the boundaries of electrical engineering. This battery uses nanostructure-based cathodes, which reduce charge time to a matter of minutes. With the help of nanotechnology, these batteries are able to charge quickly without affecting charge capacity or discharge rate. Research also seems to show that receiving such a fast charge does not negatively affect battery life.
While these batteries do exist today, the lack of an electric infrastructure will keep them out of the hands of consumers for still some time. But this gives scientists plenty of time to perfect the technology. All we can say for now is that the argument for electric cars just got a little bit stronger.