Power Failure? The Story Of The Battery

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.

Mark Miodownik explores the prospect of a new generation of highly poweful batteries.