According to foreign media reports, the Toyota Research Institute of North America announced on Wednesday that engineers have discovered a way to use magnesium to make batteries, and now almost all of the indispensable mobile phones, computers and other devices in people's lives use lithium batteries.

     "Magnesium metal has long been considered a safer and more energy-dense alternative to current lithium battery technology. The problem in current research is how to extract energy from magnesium metal," the agency said. "Discovering a way to make magnesium batteries" is credited to Rana Mohtadi, chief scientist and chemical engineer at Toyota.

      Lithium is problematic because it catches fire easily, a property that has frustrated some electric and hybrid car owners and computer users. And the Didi reminder sound of low battery can sometimes scare mobile phone users.

      Lithium, the lightest of all metals, is relatively low in its natural state and can be easily cut with a butter knife. Magnesium is heavier and therefore able to store more electricity.

      The report did not forget to remind battery users that it is too early to get excited, because it may take another 20 years of research and development before magnesium batteries are on the market.