Britain’s less than perfect weather is an ongoing complaint with the vast majority of its inhabitants, but the UK’s ever present wind may finally become the envy of its European neighbours, with ambitious new plans to power all of its homes with wind energy by the year 2020.

The plans propose the installation of about 7000 turbines around Britain’s wind-rich coastline, increasing energy production from this source by 60 times. Britain is already a leader in wind power, with several major wind farms currently in development, such as the 1 Gigawatt London project in the Thames estuary which is due to be in production by 2014.

If the plan goes to fruition, it would mean that the UK would overtake Denmark as the world’s biggest producers of wind power, and seriously reduce nation’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. However, there are some downsides to a wind powered Britain: electricity bills would be higher and wildlife experts warn that if placed in the wrong locations, wind farms can kill birds and disturb whales, dolphins and fish.

The plans have been welcomed by environmentalists around the world:

“Saint” a reader of Engadget commented: “The UK is just lucky it has such a resource available, which makes up for the complete lack of sun!”

OzRoy from Slashdot – “the nuts of volts of news for nerds” suggested one other positive side effect: “At least the windmills will keep the beaches cool in summer.”

He’s obviously never been to a British beach in summer.

(Picture from djmac20)

Toshiba have announced the launch of their Super Li-ion batteries in March 2008. But what makes these batteries so super? How about a battery with a 10 year lifespan, capable of recharging to 90% capacity in under 5 minutes and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Ok, everything but the leaping tall buildings is true according to Toshiba.

Hexus updates old news from 2005 about the Super Li-ion batteries with an expected release date for these. The DailyTech is also reporting this news with the announcement that consumers needn’t worry about these batteries exploding as the technology differs from the standard Li-ion batteries that have been hitting the news!

Don’t go throwing out your old laptop or mobile phone batteries yet though. The first time we will see these bats in action is likely to be in hybrid vehicles and other industrial sized uses.

But the hope is out there with all the possibilities close at hand. Just 5 minutes to charge up a phone or a laptop and knowing that for once the battery will outlive both!

(Picture from Engadget)

Many manufacturers have been pushing the design of electric cars, but the Aptera is surely the most futuristic looking vehicle of them all. In fact, you almost feel a little disappointed that the Aptera has got its three wheels firmly on the ground; its futuristic curves wouldn’t look out of place zipping about an intergalactic space port – it’s the car George Jetson would drive had he been born an Earthling.

Clean and quiet, the Aptera comes as a fully electric model, or hybrid version with a range of around 120 miles, which is double that of most available plug-in hybrids and triple that of the typical American daily commute.

At US$26,900 (£13,031) for the all electric Typ-1e, or US$29,000 (£14,048) for the plug-in hybrid Typ-1h, the bubble car of tomorrow doesn’t come particularly cheap – but the Aptera does do 0-60 in under 10 seconds and has a top speed of 95mph, plus it will save drivers thousands of dollars in fuel costs over the duration of its lifetime (it’s being touted as the most fuel-efficient vehicle the world has ever seen).

And don’t let its slim, shapely, sexy body deceive you, the Aptera carries some weight; there’s room in the boot for a couple of surf boards, albeit small ones.

Those looking to buy this high-tech green machine can join the growing list of Aptera fans who have put down a $500 preorder, and the car has been very well received by gadget lovers and treehuggers alike.

The Aptera is set to begin rolling off the production line in October 2008 – the takeoff countdown continues…

(Picture from Aptera)