A team of EU-funded researchers is leading the development of a unique type of sustainable zinc-based rechargeable battery for electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid EVs (HEVs). This resulting battery device will have the energy and power density necessary to compete with alternative battery technologies in the HEV and EV markets. Furthermore, the project will also construct prototype battery units for industry standard testing.

The PolyZion ('Fast rechargeable zinc-polymer battery based on ionic liquids') project, which received a funding boost of €2,400,000 under the 'Energy' Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), has been developing a new type of prototype battery, which would offer better performance, safety and environmental sustainability.

Although the global market for EVs and HEVs is predicted to grow significantly by 2015, current battery technologies are not ready to meet this demand, for that reason, this research is essential for ensuring the technology is ready as market demand increases. This research involves the development of a new class of fast rechargeable batteries based on a zinc-plastic system incorporating a novel, inexpensive, environmentally sustainable solvent.

The consortium of the project is made up of partners from Spain, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada and Russia. In addition, the project is also based on strong collaboration between academia and industry, with both small and medium enterprise partners with specialised knowledge on specific materials, and large industrial partners.