![\"Volvo](\"http:\/\/i.bnet.com\/blogs\/volvo-recharge-hybrid-concept-468.jpg\" "\\"Volvo")
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Volvo is looking at a possible new battery technology that can double as the car "skin". The idea is to make new hybrids lighter and more efficient by having the car’s "skin" serve a dual purpose.<\/p>\n
"Researchers from Imperial College London<\/strong> … and Volvo <\/strong>are developing a prototype material that’s strong and light enough to be used as a car’s skin but can store and discharge electrical energy."<\/p>\n " … material is made of carbon fibers and a polymer resin and can store and discharge large amounts of energy much more quickly than conventional batteries."<\/p>\n " … does not use chemical processes, making it quicker to recharge than conventional batteries. Unlike conventional chemical batteries, the recharging process also causes little degradation in the composite material."<\/p>\n " … could also be used as both battery and shell of consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. Without conventional batteries, the devices could be smaller and more lightweight."<\/p>\n <\/p>\n