What if your electric car could charge completely in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank? A British company called RML Group has created something that sounds like science fiction but is very real. According to reports from LiveScience and Autocar, they have developed a battery that can fully charge in just 18 seconds.
Understanding the Revolutionary Technology
The VarEVolt battery represents a massive breakthrough in electric vehicle technology. To understand why this matters, think about how frustrating it is to wait for your phone to charge. Now imagine your car charging faster than you can pump gas.
- The battery delivers 6 kilowatts per kilogram, which means it packs enormous power into a surprisingly small and lightweight package. This is like having a tiny engine that produces the power of a much larger one.
- Its C rating of 200 allows it to release all stored energy in about 18 seconds. Think of this like a water balloon that can empty itself almost instantly when squeezed.
- The modular design means engineers can adjust each battery pack for different needs. As RML Group CEO Paul Dickinson explains, “We can focus on range, we can focus on power, or we can balance the two,” depending on what type of vehicle needs the battery.
Real-World Impact and Applications
This technology is not just a laboratory experiment. RML Group received official certification for mass production on June 2, meaning they can now manufacture these batteries for real cars. The Czinger 21C hybrid hypercar already uses this technology in its limited production run of 80 vehicles.
The implications go far beyond new cars. RML Board Member Michael Mallock notes that for older supercars, “you could have a version that was eight times the power output” if the car’s other systems could handle it. The company is developing conversion kits for legendary vehicles like the LaFerrari and McLaren P1.
What This Means for the Future
This breakthrough could completely change how we think about electric vehicles. Currently, a high-end electric car like the Porsche Taycan takes 12-15 minutes to charge quickly. The VarEVolt battery does this in 18 seconds, making electric vehicles more convenient than gasoline cars for the first time.
The flexibility of the modular design means one battery technology could work in everything from small city cars to powerful supercars. This could make electric vehicles more affordable and practical for everyone, not just wealthy buyers of expensive cars.
