Overview
- CSIRO, with RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, has demonstrated a proof‑of‑concept quantum battery that can charge, store and discharge energy using quantum effects rather than chemistry.
- This lab device is wirelessly charged by a laser that converts light into electric current, showcasing the potential for cable‑free energy transfer.
- Published results in Light: Science & Applications confirm a counterintuitive effect in which larger quantum batteries charge faster than smaller ones.
- Coverage differs on how long the prototype retains energy, but CSIRO’s lead scientist writes that capacity is tiny and charge persists only for nanoseconds, underscoring the gap to practical use.
- The researchers are seeking industry partners to scale the technology and extend storage duration, with applications such as rapid EV charging framed as a long‑term prospect.