The research breakthrough could enable EVs to be recharged quicker than the time taken to refuel a conventional vehicle.

The research from the University of Surrey and Augmented Optics Ltd, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, has developed new polymers that could be used for very high energy density super-capacitors that would dramatically reduce charging times for EVs as well as mobile phones, laptops and mobile devices.

The technology offers an alternative to battery power and is between 1,000-10,000 times more powerful than the existing battery alternative.

Researchers added that the new technology could enable an electric car to travel from London to Edinburgh without the need to recharge, but when it did recharging would take just minutes.

Dr Brendan Howlin of the University of Surrey explained: “There is a global search for new energy storage technology and this new ultra capacity supercapacitor has the potential to open the door to unimaginably exciting developments.”

Jim Heathcote, chief executive of both Augmented Optics Ltd and Supercapacitor Materials Ltd, said: “The test results from the new polymers suggest that extremely high energy density supercapacitors could be constructed in the very new future.  We are now actively seeking commercial partners in order to supply our polymers and offer assistance to build these ultra high energy density storage devices.”