[RayChuang88]

Here's the problem: it will take the resources of a current (pun not intended!) major automobile manufacturer to make longer-range electric cars practical.

Fortunately, thanks to nanotechnology, such batteries could become reality. The development of dry-electrode lithium-ion, carbon-nanotube ultracapacitor, and possibly layered graphene sheet batteries could triple the range of electric cars by 2017, and that will finally make electric cars viable as replacements for internal combustion engine (ICE) cars for commuting.

[rottndog]

And what kind of lifespan would such a battery have?

Regardless of the battery, electric cars will never be viable as long as our electric grid can’t support their widespread use.