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Tag: Power Bank

  • Rapid-Charging Solid-State Power Bank Offers Fire-Safe Performance

    Rapid-Charging Solid-State Power Bank Offers Fire-Safe Performance

    If you need extra power and storage, you can get a SolidSafe 10,000mAh power bank with a microSD slot built in
    BMX

    Conventional lithium-ion batteries power our devices and EVs well, but their flammable liquid electrolyte still poses a fire risk.
    Solid-state batteries offer a safer alternative by using a mostly solid electrolyte between the cathode and anode.

    BMX aims to deliver safe, on-the-go phone charging with solid-state power banks that eliminate fire and swelling risks

    Hardware newcomer BMX is working to bring this technology to power banks that can safely charge your phone on the go. Thanks to the solid-state battery, there’s no risk of swelling, explosions, or fires caused by thermal runaway.

    SolidSafe™ : Safer Solid-State Battery for iPhone & More

    BMX claims its SolidSafe power bank resists heat, shock, and fire. In a 9to5Mac video, it keeps charging even after being nailed or having a corner sliced off—proof of its toughness.

    That’s reassuring for travelers and anyone relying on gadgets far from power outlets.

    SolidSafe power banks combine durable aluminum design with solid-state safety, MagSafe support, fast charging, and vivid LCD screens

    The SolidSafe lineup features three models, all with the same core tech, aluminum bodies, MagSafe compatibility, 15W wireless charging, 30W wired output (enough to charge an iPhone 16 Pro to 50% in 30 minutes), and color LCD displays.

    BMX says that since these have solid state batteries inside, you don’t have to worry about them getting too hot and exploding – even inside a car left in the sun
    BMX

    The lineup includes a 5,000mAh model with a single USB-C port, measuring 11.5 mm thick and weighing 4.8 oz (137 g), and two 10,000mAh versions: one with dual ports at 18.9 mm and 7.4 oz (209 g), and another with a microSD slot for added storage, supporting speeds up to 200 MB/s.

    All SolidSafe models offer fast, multi-device charging and include a USB-C lanyard cable

    Like most MagSafe power banks, all models can charge multiple devices simultaneously and support pass-through charging—letting you power both your gadgets and the bank when near an outlet. They recharge from 0% to 80% in one hour, with 15W input for the 5,000mAh version and 27W for the 10,000mAh ones. Each comes with a USB-C to USB-C lanyard cable.

    All three power banks come with a color LCD display and an included lanyard cable
    BMX

    Naturally, these power banks aren’t limited to iPhones—they can charge any device with a Type-C connection, including Android phones, headphones, and earbuds.

    BMX debuts SolidSafe on Kickstarter with discounts and free charging dock bundles

    BMX is currently crowdfunding the SolidSafe lineup on Kickstarter, offering early bird discounts. The 5,000mAh model (retail $79) is available for $49, the standard 10,000mAh version (retail $100) for $59, and the 10,000mAh with microSD support (retail $129) for $79. Bundles of three or five units also include a free charging dock capable of powering multiple SolidSafes at once.

    BMX is also making three- and five-bay docks to charge up multiple power banks simultaneously
    BMX

    It’s worth noting that BMX isn’t the only company developing solid-state power banks. Its discounted 5K model is priced similarly to Kuxiu’s, while CE-Link’s lineup, announced earlier this year, still isn’t widely available.

    To conclude, as with any crowdfunding campaign, there’s some risk involved. BMX points out that its team has experience at established hardware firms and says it’s on track to certify, produce, and ship the SolidSafe series globally by October. The project has also exceeded its funding goal, with support from over 1,200 backers.

    You can find more details on BMX’s Kickstarter page.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Elecom Launches First Long-Life Sodium-Ion Power Bank

    Elecom Launches First Long-Life Sodium-Ion Power Bank

    The sodium-ion battery tech inside Elecom’s new power bank has been in development since the 1970s
    Elecom

    Elecom, a Japanese hardware company, has introduced what it claims to be the world’s first power bank featuring a sodium-ion battery. This new battery technology promises a significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries and can operate in both extreme hot and cold environments.

    They designed the DE-C55L-9000 with a familiar rounded shape, resembling most power banks available today. It houses a 9,000mAh battery, a 45W USB Type-C port, an 18W Type-A port, and charging indicator LEDs.

    What sets this power bank apart is the sodium-ion battery inside. While similar in function and structure to lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion ones use sodium for the cathode material and sodium salts instead of lithium salts for the electrolyte. This shift means less reliance on scarce and valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and copper, making the production process more sustainable.

    While this is the first sodium-ion power bank out there, its 45-W charging speed is fairly common, and it’s heavier than cheaper lithium-ion ones you can get right now
    Elecom

    Exceptional Performance in Extreme Temperatures

    The sodium-ion battery also excels in extreme temperatures, operating safely in a range from -30°F (-34°C) to 122°F (50°C), which makes it ideal for use in challenging outdoor environments. Additionally, due to the nature of the materials used, these batteries present a lower risk of fire hazards.

    Another major advantage is the longer cycle life of sodium-ion batteries. Elecom’s power bank can endure up to 5,000 charge cycles, whereas lithium-ion batteries typically last between 500 and 1,000 cycles. This longevity makes it an appealing option for users who need a durable and long-lasting device.

    This is one of the first commercially available products utilizing sodium-ion technology, which has been in development since the 1970s. Sodium-ion batteries could offer a more affordable cost per kWh than lithium-ion and are easier to produce since their manufacturing processes are similar to those of lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, manufacturers can ship these batteries in a stable, zero-volt state, which reduces the risks associated with transportation.

    The widespread use of sodium-ion batteries could also decrease the need for harmful mining practices to extract metals like cobalt and copper, as sodium is abundant in natural sources such as sea salt and the Earth’s crust.

    Pricing and Comparisons to Other Power Banks

    The Elecom power bank is priced at 9,980 JPY (approximately $67 USD) in Japan and is available in limited quantities. While it’s notably more expensive than other 10,000mAh power banks from brands like Anker, which range from $16 to $24, it’s also heavier, weighing 12.3 oz (350g) compared to Anker’s models, which are between 7.5 oz and 8.6 oz (212g to 244g).The additional weight likely results from sodium-ion batteries having a lower energy density than their lithium-ion counterparts. This lower energy density is one reason why manufacturers haven’t widely adopted sodium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, although some low-range EVs are expected to use this technology soon. Researchers are also exploring sodium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage applications.

    This power bank is rated to work at temperatures as low as -30 degrees F
    Elecom

    Although this power bank may not have the most impressive performance, its durability could see it lasting up to 13 years with daily use, signaling a promising future for battery technology in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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