Electric vehicles usually have one major problem: The battery. But now Toshiba might have a new battery in development that could pave the way for better electric/hybrid cars in the very near future. Dubbed, SCiB (Super Charge ion Battery) Toshiba already shipped prototypes to a handful of Japanese, European and American automakers.

The SCiB was already commercialized in 2008, but now Toshiba claims its has quadrupled the output density to 3,900 watts, which is the best performance in the industry. In addition, the battery can now be charged in 90 seconds, whereas the old model needed more than 10 minutes for a full charge. Toshiba claims this performance means the battery is ideal for use in plug-in hybrids. It also boasts a long life span, withstanding more than 10,000 recharges.

Toshiba currently produces 150,000 SCiBs monthly in a Japan-based plant. Mass production of the new model is scheduled to begin within this year, with Toshiba hoping to boost monthly production to 10 million units by 2015.

Via Nikkei [registration required, paid subscription]