Toshiba claims that its new SCiB-equipped notebook PC is capable of recharging up to 90 percent of full capacity in 10 minutes.

The recharge speed of the new SCiB module demonstrated here appears to be six times faster than that of the original SCiB battery technology.

Toshiba used a new negative electrode material in its SCiB. Rather than carbon, it uses Li4Ti5012 (lithium titanate) in the new battery, resulting in a shorter recharge time and an improved recharge lifecycle, according to the company.

For example, the SCiB's recharge lifecycle has been improved to 6,000 times, compared to previously possible 500 times.

Further, the SCiB technology provides highly reliable rechargeable performance, even at extreme temperatures.

For the battery-powered bicycle, Toshiba developed a 72 V SCiB module by connecting 30 SCiB cells in a series with each cell featuring 4.2 ampere-hour capacity and 2.4V voltage.

In parallel to the development of electric bicycle prototypes, Toshida said it is also working on a special charger unit capable of recharging SCiB in five minutes.

"Because of the improved charge-discharge cycles, the electric bicycle is also ideal for professional food delivery services, for example, often used in repetitious runs for short distances," explained a Toshiba official at the company's Ceatac booth.

Toshiba has already begun shipping SCiB modules to Dorel Industries for integration in Schwinn Tailwind eBikes.

Schwinn's eBike has adopted the 24V SCiB standard module, which uses ten 4.2 ampere-hour SCiB cells aligned in series connection.

"Toshiba's SCiB technology will enable owners of Tailwind to recharge their eBike in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet, or as little as five minutes through a commercial charger," the two companies said in a statement at their eBike announcement last week.

The Schwinn Tailwind eBike will be available in early 2009 at a cost of $3,199.

—Yoichiro Hata is managing editor of EE Times Japan. Additional reporting by Junko Yoshida.