by early in the next century , lightweight batteries with electrolytes made of plastic should be available , as well as fuel cells that essentially are batteries with fuel tanks that will need refueling , like today 's gasoline-powered cars , but wo n't need recharging. ; argonne national laboratory in du page county , illinois , is doing its own research into electric- car technology and is coordinating much of the federal effort in this area for the department of energy , argonne 's parent agency .