Charge your batteries in half the time?...
 

Could be good news for future Segway models:

http://m.gizmodo.com/5949205/math-ca...-twice-as-fast

One smart design feature of the segway is that mostly, the machine only supplies the power. The battery itself does the control of charge/discharge rates...

This may mean that a newer batter with this new technology may actually be able to be deployed, without a needed change to the segway, and that may reduce cost, and make them more available. Of course, maybe not.

The limitation on that point would be that the current comes from the base, and new batteries wouldn't change that. So if the new algorithms involve a higher peak current, the current bases wouldn't be able to supply that, and you'd not get that portion of the benefit.

I have no idea what impact this might or might not have on current Segway charge times -- not enough data. Other than somewhere from "No change" to "50% reduction in charge time".

The reduced charge time will be important because of the higher energy consumption for the new 'hovering' feature of the I3. Other than that, I agree.

When you compare the charge times it is also a difficult task, because you are comparing a battery that is currently in use, to one that has yet to be introduced. It may be smaller, and therefore use less power and less time to charge, it may be the same size but with enhanced capacities, and many more potential situations, including the potential that a new battery will never come to pass.