New Australian research sparks hope electric cars could charge faster than those that run on petrol in future

An Australian scientist hopes a world-first battery prototype could be a step towards a future where electric cars charge faster than fuel petrol cars. The world’s first proof-of-concept quantum battery has been engineered following research by the country’s science agency CSIRO and collaborators at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne. The prototype is the first quantum battery to charge, store and discharges energy, and can be wirelessly charged with a laser. Fully functioning quantum batteries — which do not currently exist — could revolutionise how energy is used and stored, with CSIRO quantum science and technologies science leader James Quach hoping for a future where electric cars charge quicker than cars take to have their tanks filled. “My ultimate ambition is a future where we can charge electric cars much faster than fuel petrol cars, or charge devices over long distances wirelessly,” Dr Quach said. “Our findings confirm a fundamental quantum effect that’s completely counterintuitive: quantum batteries charge faster as they get larger. Today’s batteries don’t function like that. “The research validates the exciting potential of quantum batteries for unprecedented efficient and rapid energy storage.” The key to fully functioning quantum batteries is energy storage time, Dr Quach said. “Our proof-of-concept device showcases rapid, scalable charging and energy storage at room temperature, laying the groundwork for next-gen energy solutions,” he said. “While there’s still much work to be done in quantum battery research, we’ve made an important move towards realising the possibilities. “The next step for quantum batteries right now is extending their energy storage time. If we can overcome that hurdle, we’d be that bit closer to commercially viable quantum batteries.”