[Joshua Bretz]

I noticed that A123 is claiming fast charge capability on their website. I think that this is new info - at least I didn't see it a year ago.

http://www.a123systems.com/#/technology/power/pchart5/

 

[Joshua Bretz]

They have different cell types. I believe one is high power/quick charge optimized and the other is optimized for plug-in applications (lower power, higher energy but still power capable enough for hybrid mode). I assume the Volt's will be similar to the latter and aren't capable of the 5 minute charge but I believe A123's website states 45 minutes. I'm still skeptical of battery life with quick charging (A123 or Altairnano). I haven't seen anything that addresses how life is affected.

I think you're right that the Volt would use the high energy battery version as opposed to the high power version. The link above quoted 5 minutes to 90% for the high power & 12 minutes to 80% for the high energy. This 12 minute number is still better than most LiIion batteries. I think that A123 has an inherent advantage because of the nanostructured electrode means that the Lithium Ions don't have to diffuse through large particles. This makes for inherently lower impedance & lower impedance for life.