According to South Korean and Italian scientists, a quantum battery allows almost instant recharges in electric cars and other devices
As quantum batteries, which use the same peculiar properties of mechanics and quantum computers currently under development, could be brought to the world by a partnership between scientists from South Korea and Italy. If successful, this new generation of batteries has the potential to revolutionize the way the energy is stored. It is anticipated that they will be able to recharge almost immediately.
Researchers in South Korea have already determined that the use of quantum battery technology can reduce the time required to fully charge an electric vehicle at home from ten hours to just three minutes. At a super charging station, the process can be completed in even less time, just over 1 minute.
To perform the experiment, conventional battery technology was successfully combined with a quantum mechanical device known as a micromaser, thanks to a team of researchers from Institute of Basic Sciences of South Korea and University of Insubria in Italy. They did this by using an electromagnetic field to store charged energy in the form of a stream of qubits, which at the same time protects against the possibility of overloading the system.
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The larger the quantum battery, the shorter its charging time
Scientists investigated how the amount of time required to charge a quantum battery actually decreased as the battery size increased. That's because of a phenomenon known as quantum acceleration, which has to do with the way the battery's molecules become more entangled as the battery gets bigger.
While a proof-of-concept device for charging quantum batteries using lasers has already been made in the lab, it will be some time before a fully functioning prototype can be developed for testing.
However, scientists are optimistic, and if they succeed, they will usher in a new era of ultra-efficient batteries. This would fundamentally change the way we use devices, from smartphones to eletric cars.
Electric car manufacturers are already studying battery models that recharge faster
Battery charging time is a common concern among many electric vehicle manufacturers. At the beginning of this year, the Nissan announced a partnership with NASA in order to develop a solid-state battery model that recharges in up to 15 minutes.
The company predicts that the models may be half the size of a conventional battery, in addition to being lighter and safer. Nissan is projected to launch a fully commercial solid-state battery model in mid-2028.
In addition to the Japanese automaker, other manufacturers such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford and GM are also doing research to develop solid-state batteries.