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.

US President Donald Trump gesturing with pointing finger.
Credit: andykatz/ BigStock Photo ID: 103507385

Trump quits pivotal 1992 climate treaty, in massive hit to global warming effort

The U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change underpins global efforts to address rising temperatures.
Crude oil and petroleum concept. Pump jack, US dollar notes and Venezuela flag background
Photo credit: Copyright: MillaF/ BigStock Photo ID: 361719841

Oil industry will eye Venezuela warily, experts say

Given Venezuela’s murky political future, few analysts expect a rush to invest the billions needed to pump more oil from the world’s largest reserves.
Boeing 757 jet airplane bearing the logo of Donald Trump takes off from Laguardia New York City
Photo credit: Copyright: icholakov/ BigStock Photo ID: 102723602

Trump’s shadow looms over EU aviation emissions plan

“God only knows what the Trump administration will do” if the EU expands its aviation emissions scheme, an EU official says.
Illustration depicting pumpjacks vs solar panels & wind turbines
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 147195269

How clean energy could save us trillions

As clean energy prices fall, a fast transition to renewable energy is the cheapest option on the table. Experts say it could save us trillions in energy costs alone.
A worker installing electronics in a large industrial cabinet

South Carolina’s AI and data center push exposes a racial divide

Four million Americans live within 1 mile of a data center. The communities closest to them are “overwhelmingly” non-white.
Common Spider Crab (Libinia emarginata) during Woods Hole science lesson.
Photo credit: Copyright: Wyopics/ BigStock Photo ID: 474441923

The scientists making antacids for the sea to help counter global warming

The world’s oceans are becoming dangerously acidic. A controversial proposal would raise the pH — by mixing chemicals into the water.
A glacier calving into sea
Photo credit: Photo by Magdalena Kula Manchee on Unsplash

Opinion: We study glaciers. ‘Artificial glaciers’ and other tech may halt their total collapse

How might we prevent sea-level rise? Satellite-based radar, solar-powered drones, robot submarines and lab-based ‘artificial glaciers’ could all play a role.

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.