Toshiba Introduces Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Battery

Today, Toshiba announced a "breakthrough" in lithium-ion battery technology. The new technology reportedly allows a battery to recharge to 80% of the battery's capacity in one minute -- approximately 60 times faster than typical lithium ion batteries.

Other advantages listed include losing only 1% of capacity after 1000 charging cycles and the ability to function at low temperatures.

The battery will be available in commercial products starting in 2006. While initially available in automotive and industrial sectors, they list mobile phones as a possibility.