Elecom has announced the launch of what it claims is the world’s first consumer-grade sodium-ion mobile power bank, called the Na+ Sodium-Ion Mobile Battery, featuring a 9,000mAh capacity and 45W USB-C output.
Elecom launches world’s first sodium-ion power bank
This power bank utilizes sodium instead of lithium, a more abundant and cheaper alternative that reduces reliance on scarcer metals like lithium and cobalt. Elecom states that using sodium minimizes destructive mining processes, ethical issues, and offers a cleaner disposal method, potentially easing supply chain pressures in battery production.
One of the notable features of this power bank is its operational stability under extreme temperature conditions, functioning in temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F) and as high as 50°C (122°F). This makes it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and workers who frequently encounter harsh environments.
Safety and longevity advantages
Elecom describes sodium-ion technology as having significant safety benefits over traditional lithium-ion batteries, which can pose fire hazards due to thermal runaway. Sodium-ion cells are reportedly more stable and less likely to overheat or catch fire. The company claims that the Na+ Sodium-Ion Mobile Battery has a lifespan of 5,000 charge cycles, which is about ten times longer than conventional lithium-ion power banks.
The power bank supports USB Power Delivery (PD) up to 45W via USB-C, suitable for charging smartphones, tablets, and some laptops, and includes an 18W USB-A port for additional device compatibility. Despite these benefits, the device weighs 350g due to the lower energy density of sodium-ion batteries, although its dimensions (87×31×106mm) make it portable.
In practical terms, a fully charged 9,000mAh power bank can recharge a 1,800mAh smartphone approximately 2.9 times or a 3,000mAh smartphone about 1.7 times.
The Elecom sodium-ion mobile power bank is currently available for pre-order through the Elecom Direct Shop at a special price of 8,980 yen (approximately A$95), with an expected retail price of 9,980 yen (approximately A$105). Pre-orders are limited to three units per customer, and international availability has not yet been confirmed. The power bank will be offered in black (model DE-C55L-9000BK) and light grey (model DE-C55L-9000LGY).
Featured image credit: Elecom
