One problem with hybrid vehicles today is the recharging system. It just takes too long to recharge your battery. Given, that the hybrid electric vehicle range is extended with an internal combustion engine, for a “true” electric car, fast recharging of low batteries is a necessity.

With a 5 minute recharge time, A123Systems M1 cells charge almost 20 times faster than traditional Lithium-Ion cells. Also, at 1/3 the weight, expect that the vehicle range will be extended. A123Systems uses nanoscale materials that are inexpensive, nontoxic and safer than Li Ion batteries.

GM is prototyping A123Systems’ batteries in their Saturn Green Line Vue plug-in hybrid SUVs and are expecting double the fuel efficiency.