A game-changing "killer app" may arrive and change the global car market soon as a new lithium-ion battery promises to significantly cut cost and triple the driving range of electric cars, Financial Times reported. The new batteries, which are expected to be commercialised in a year's time, can also double the running life of laptops, smartphones and tablet. Li-ion batteries are expensive and run down too fast. They account for as much as 30 per cent of the cost in electric vehicles. In addition, there have to be temperature control systems in place to prevent them from overheating or catching fire.