German battery company DBM Energy last month achieved an incredible world record for battery powered locomotion by powering a converted Audi A2 electric car for a non-stop journey of 375 miles (from Munich to Berlin) at an *average* speed of 55 mph.

To say this could be a game changer is an understatement! Cue smug German video.

The secret lies in the use of ‘Alpha Polymer’ battery technology (aka Lithium Metal Polymer) which delivers a robust and extremely efficient electric power system. The technology was first used in forklift trucks in 2009 (they run for 28 hours per charge!) and provides a large set of advantages over conventional systems.

• Super lightweight, nearly four times lighter than equivalent
• Massive lifespan. Over 20 years from normal commuter type use.
• Super short charge time. With conventional charger 4.5 hours, with a ‘super charger’ you could get it down to just a few minutes!

The only downside at the moment, as you’d expect, is the price of production. Until volume is reached, the tech is likely to be expensive.