Toshiba has developed a lithium-ion battery with a short rechargeable time and an energy capacity 'equal' to those of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Toshiba's new battery, according to the company, can recharge 80 percent of the battery's energy capacity in one minute. This is approximately 60 times faster than the typical Li-ion batteries. The energy density is 150 to 250 Wh that is equal to the lower range of energy densities existing lithium ion batteries have.

Toshiba's prototype battery has a capacity of 600mAh and is 8mm thick, 62mm high and 35mm deep. The battery was demonstrated in a hard disc music player for about 10 minutes by charging 5 milliwatts in 5 seconds.

With the stable electrolyte solution, the battery is expected to operate at temperatures of -40°C, though Toshiba maintains that it is limited to 80 per cent of capacity in such conditions, compared to 100 per cent at 25°C.

The battery also has a long life considering the company holds that it loses only one percent of its capacity each 1,000 times it is recharged and discharged.

The product is designed for use in hybrid vehicles, portable electronic equipment as well as a wide range of other applications. Toshiba plans to begin mass-producing the battery in 2006.