Flexible Batteries That Never Need to Be Recharged

[Dover]

Flexible Batteries That Never Need to Be Recharged

European researchers have built prototypes that combine plastic solar cells with ultrathin, flexible batteries. But don't throw away your battery recharger just yet.

http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/18482/



Solar battery: European researchers have integrated thin-film organic solar cells with a flexible polymer battery to produce a lightweight and ultrathin solar battery for low-wattage electronic devices, such as smart cards and mobile phones. The battery can recharge itself when exposed to natural or indoor sunlight, meaning that some electronic gadgets would never need a separate charger. Researchers predict that such a device could be commercially available in some products next year.
Credit: G. Dennler, Solar Energy

[Vinnie From Indy]

1. The title of this post is incorrect

The fact is that the batteries DO have to be recharged. They simply use solar to power the recharge.

[NNadir]

2. I want one for my hydrogen hypercar SUV that will be available in showrooms by 2005.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/10/1016_TVhypercar.html