A UK start-up showcases a rapid-charging EV battery

An electric vehicle battery by UK start-up Nyobolt charged from 10% to 80% in under five minutes during a live demonstration.

Zoe Kleinman reports for the BBC.


In short:

  • Nyobolt's battery, tested in a concept sports car, aims to alleviate "range anxiety" by significantly reducing charging time compared to current technologies.
  • The demonstration faced challenges, including a UK heatwave and technical issues, but still marked a significant advancement in EV battery technology.
  • Nyobolt plans to partner with existing car brands and introduce its batteries on a small scale within a year.

Key quote:

“Developing technology that enables people to charge more quickly, which chimes with the time it currently takes to re-fuel a car – is really important.”

— Paul Shearing, professor of sustainable energy engineering at Oxford University

Why this matters:

Fast-charging technology is essential for broader adoption of electric vehicles by reducing charging times so that they're similar to the time it takes to refuel gas cars. However, improvements in charging infrastructure are needed to support these advancements and make electric vehicles more practical for everyday use.

Al Gore attends the 2017 IFP Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 27, 2017 in New York City.
Credit: miromiro

Al Gore talks renewable energy, data centers, and climate crisis at Tennessee conference

Former Vice President Al Gore said he is encouraged by the growing international adoption of renewable energy sources.
Young man seated on a rock outcrop overlooking Flaming Gorge reservoir

As Flaming Gorge starts to shrink, questions — and new ideas — about its future grow

As the Green River runs high out of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, so is anxiety in the tiny Utah town of Manila.
Coniferous forest backlit by advancing wildfire

Colorado warns of severe fire risk in southwestern states. It may be difficult to share resources

Colorado is “light years” ahead in fire preparedness compared with a decade ago, but it has also faced its largest and most destructive wildfires in that time.

Autumn trees and foliage along the clear water of the Guadalupe River in Texas.

Texas lawmakers repeatedly failed to pass flood protections

Dozens of bills were rejected over nearly 60 years; some measures would have prohibited youth camps and new construction in high-risk flood areas.

A view of the Caspian Sea with dry mountains in the background

The sea that is vanishing in real time

From stranded buildings to vanishing habitats, scientists warn the Caspian Sea may be approaching a tipping point.

A blonde woman shading her face from the sun

Cities are rehearsing for deadly heat. Will it help when disaster comes?

As heat waves grow longer and deadlier, cities around the world are using elaborate drills to expose weaknesses before a real crisis strikes.
Blue-green neon sign on black background reads "Havana"

A solar-powered charging station in Cuba brings life to a darkened island

A free, solar-powered charging station, or “solinera” as it’s known, has opened in Cuba’s central region.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.