The development "makes long recharge times a thing of the past," the company said in a statement, noting one minute is roughly 60 times faster than typical lithium-ion batteries.

The new battery measures 62 millimeters (2.48 inches) by 35 and is 3.8 millimetres thick.

It also has a long life, losing only one percent of capacity after 1,000 cycles of discharging and recharging and can operate at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit), it said.

Toshiba will put the new battery to commercial products in 2006.

"Initial applications will be in the automotive and industrial sectors," it said, adding that the technology may also be used as an alternative power source for hybrid gasoline-electric cars.

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