While USB battery packs are ubiquitous, they’re only any good if there’s somewhere to charge the battery pack in the first place. If there’s no electrical supply, options can be limited but with Intelligent Energy‘s new hydrogen fuel cell, Upp, there’s one more option available. Todd and Jamie get enthused with Julian Hughes of Intelligent Energy.
The Upp call uses a hydrogen micro generator and reusable fuel cartridge. One cartridge can provide up to five full smartphone charges and is approved for carriage in aircraft. Each cartridge has a shelf-life of nine years, making it perfect to store for emergencies. As it’s a fuel cell, not a battery, it doesn’t need to be recharged by the electricity. Once powered up, the Upp will power devices at 1A via a full size USB port.
When spent the cartridges can be recharged with hydrogen and extra cartridges can prolong time off grid. It’s perfect for those on hiking trips or for those involved in emergency disaster relief.
The Upp is available in the UK for £149 including one cartridge. Additional cartridges are £49 and recharges costs £5.95. The Upp is expected to come to the US in late 2015.
Interview by Jamie Davies of Health Tech Weekly and Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.
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