Sony has developed new rechargeable lithium ion battery that uses olivine type lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. The olivine-type lithium iron phosphate has a robust crystal structure and stable performance, resulting in higher power density and longer lifespan.

Sony claims that the new battery will have about 2,000 charge cycles before reduction in capacity is noticed. And even after 2,000 cycles that battery will be able to retain about 80 percent charging capacity. The battery will also have high power density of 1800W/kg resulting in longer battery life per charge. As the new cathode material has a robust crystal structure the batteries will be able to charge rapidly, it will charge to 99 percent in just 30 minutes.

Sony plans to first supply the new batteries for use in power tools, where high power density is required. The company then plans to gradually introduce batteries for consumer electronics based on the new technology. In last five years we have seen announcement of many new battery technologies, but none of them have made any impact in consumer market yet. We just hope that someday (very soon) we will have a computer with enough battery power to last one whole day without any compromises. 
[Via Sony Insider]