While smartphones continue to improve markedly every year, a key component seemingly left in the dust is their battery, leading some companies to build portable batteries that can hold multiple charges for smartphones. In a twist, a charger based on a hydrogen fuel cell, originally designed for use in parts of Africa without mains electricity, is to go on sale in the US. The news was announced yesterday at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The Upp charger is made by Intelligent Energy, based in Loughborough, UK. Unlike lithium-ion battery devices, is powered by removable hydrogen fuel canisters. It can provide five full charges for most smartphones, its makers claim, through a USB port.
Upp is not technically a battery – it combines hydrogen and air to produce energy, with water vapour as a by-product. As a result it does not need to recharge, but is instead reloaded with a fresh hydrogen canister. The detachable canisters are refillable and connected to the fuel cell with powerful magnets.
The device has an accompanying app that can organise delivery of canisters so you don't run out of juice, as well as provide usage data. Intelligent Energy is partnering with US electronics retailer Brookstone for the release. Upp is expected to cost $199 and will go on sale early this year.
Hydrogen fuel cells are also making their way onto the market in much bigger products. At CES, Toyota showed off its upcoming hydrogen-powered car, which will go on sale in 2015.
If you would like to reuse any content from New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndication department first for permission. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of licensing options available for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to.
