Lithium-Ion Battery to Last 30% Longer

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. has developed a rechargeable Li-ion battery with a capacity nearly 30% higher than existing products. Comparable batteries have a maximum capacitance of 2.9Ah. By replacing the carbon material used for the negative electrode with an alloy, Matsushita improved electrical storage capacity to 3.6Ah. The new technology will enable manufacturers to provide almost 30% longer battery life or reduce the battery's size nearly 30% without sacrificing capacitance. This is expected to enhance design flexibility for cellular phones and notebook computers. The maker of Panasonic-brand products anticipates mass production as soon as 2009. It plans to further reduce production costs, offering the new battery at a similar price to existing products.