Submission + - Next-Gen Car Batteries Promise Longer Life (wired.com)
hzero writes: Firefly has replaced the lead plates found inside conventional batteries with a lead-impregnated foam made from carbon graphite ?- one of the few materials that can withstand the highly corrosive sulfuric acid inside batteries. The foam increases the surface area of lead inside the battery, delivering more power and slashing the recharge time, says Firefly CEO Ed Williams.
Equally important, Firefly's approach eliminates the crystals that can build up inside lead-acid batteries. Over time, those crystals reduce the amount of electricity a battery can hold, one of the major reasons electric and hybrid automakers have favored lithium-ion or nickel batteries, even though lead acid is less expensive.
"Our batteries will come back to their full capacity for years," says Williams
Equally important, Firefly's approach eliminates the crystals that can build up inside lead-acid batteries. Over time, those crystals reduce the amount of electricity a battery can hold, one of the major reasons electric and hybrid automakers have favored lithium-ion or nickel batteries, even though lead acid is less expensive.
"Our batteries will come back to their full capacity for years," says Williams
