The tests, carried out by U.S. Department of Energy-backed electronics company Potential Difference Inc, showed ordinary lithium ion batteries could be topped up to a 70% state of charge in 10 minutes, 80% in 12 minutes or 100% in 16 minutes while staying well below maximum temperatures recommended by manufacturers.

It is hoped that crowdfunding through the Indiegogo service will allow it to come to market quickly, while further developments could further reduce charging times beyond the existing results.

Once commericalised, this will allow close to conventional “refuelling” times for electric vehicles, and facilitate rapid charging for mobile phones, laptops and tablet computers, which are expected to be the largest market.