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Volkswagen says it has been testing battery technology that could provide between three or four times more power than current VW cells.

The new cell could deliver 80kWh compared to the current 26.5kWh offered by Gold Blue-e-motion's battery.

Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser revealed that the German auto giant had tested a range of lithium-ion batteries with Sanyo, its current cell provider with 24, 28 and 37kWh versions being tested.

But the 80kWh technology – still very much in the development stage – would be a game changer.

Neusser did not deny that the battery is a lithium-air design, but was not prepared to identify the battery chemistry.

Lithium-air units can deliver very high levels of power.

Electric car technology's main problem is range, which is why VW's 80kWh cell is so significant. Few families would opt for an electric vehicle as their main car – unless the range improves.

For those interested in the science, VW also revealed that the focus on high temperature cell research has lessened in recent years, making way for work on conventional water/hydrogen cell proton exchange.

The rivalry between battery electric and fuel cell technologies was welcomed by Neusser, who said it will "give us maximum performance".

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