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Power Failure? The Story of the Battery

Mark Miodownik explores the idea of a future in which a new generation of batteries might power not just electric cars but commercial aircraft and artificial hearts and limbs.

Mark Miodownik explores the idea of a future in which a new generation of batteries, ten times more powerful than anything currently available, might power not just electric cars but electric commercial aircraft and artificial hearts and limbs.

He finds out how batteries work and why, at least until now, they have been severely limited by the natural laws of physics.

Mark also hears concerns that oil companies have conspired with car manufacturers to suppress battery technology, and enters the laboratories of the scientists who are pursuing the holy grail of battery power.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 9 Apr 2009 21:00

Broadcast

  • Thu 9 Apr 2009 21:00