Agreed concerning commercialisation time frames - under normal circumstances.  And I admit I am only just getting into battery tech.
Technology of this nature could become a game changer.  With renewable energy become ever more commercially viable, the search is on for cheap storage in order to deliver base load power. 

Agreed Luc, this battery has lower energy density than LiFePO4. They're focused upon improving the cathode and theoretically "aluminium ion  can achieve 3–4 times the specific energy density of a lithium-ion battery"  at "system-level costs below $250/kWh". (Elsewhere I've seen the theoretical advantage expressed as 2-3 times.) http://web.ornl.gov/adm/partnerships/factsheets/10-G01216_ID2383.pdf

I believe that ORNL haven't achieved the battery life that the Stanford team has.  The big factors are cycle capacity without decay and the phenomenal charge discharge rates (3kw per kg) - far in excess of our requirements.

From fig 9b, Rate capability of an Al/graphitic-foam cell. : An ultrafast rechargeable aluminium-ion battery : Nature : Nature Publishing Group

100mA/g for 30 minutes at almost 2 volts translates into ~ 9 kWh per 100 kg.  If I can set that up for under $2500, I'd be pleased.

The reason I suggest this is a game changer relates to demand elasticity.  Lithium is scarce, the price isn't going to come down sufficiently in the future.  Aluminium is plentiful.  If lifetime kWh prices result in this battery becomes the primary (and the electricity grid the secondary) means of energy delivery then the economies of scale go through the roof.  In Australia,   Add energy density and the economics suggest electric cars become mainstream.

Furthermore, ballooning distribution, transmission and retail energy costs in Australia - energy in Queensland is 39.4% of the average retail bill - create the imperative for energy storage.  You get less than 25% of the retail price when you sell solar back to the grid.  Lithium is economically justified only for off grid.

Given the incentives to invest, commercialisation timeframes may be lower.  Time will tell.

Arto, yes batteries are only one risk factor.  This battery may remove risk.  If I can set the system up, the only fuel I'll have on board is diesel - just for when solar isn't up to the job.  Everything electric.  I like cooking with gas, but will accept induction at a pinch.