ReelCharge Launches $50 Semi-Solid-State Power Bank as Safer Alternative to Lithium-Ion
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Aug 11
ReelCharge Launches $50 Semi-Solid-State Power Bank as Safer Alternative to Lithium-Ion
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Aug 11
Summary
$50 ReelCharge power banks in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh versions are being marketed as a safer option for air travel and daily use than conventional lithium-ion packs.
Semi-solid-state cells replace lithium-ion's flammable liquid electrolyte with a gel-like material, aiming to cut fire risk while preserving recharge life and energy density.
ZDNET said the 5,000mAh unit passed charge, discharge, pass-through, thermal and output tests, with 15W wireless charging, 20W USB-C output and one minor complaint about a rattling button.
Cost remains the main barrier: industry sources said semi-solid-state cells are produced by only a handful of suppliers and run about 2 to 3 times the price of standard lithium-ion packs.
That pricing gap comes as airlines and consumers remain alert to battery-fire incidents and recalls, including Anker actions covering more than 1 million units over the past year.