Say goodbye to lithium! Sodium-ion power banks could be the future of charging on the go

For decades, lithium-ion batteries have been the backbone of our everyday gadgets, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to tablets and power banks. They’ve been the gold standard, but let’s face it; technology moves fast, and lithium-ion is no longer the cutting edge.

Silicon-carbon battery tech has already entered the scene as a newer and more efficient alternative and it’s been gaining traction with many manufacturers using them in some of their latest phones. Now, there’s another exciting battery technology on the horizon – Sodium-ion batteries. They promise higher charging cycles and temperature endurance compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Leading the charge to bring this tech into the market is Japanese company Elecom, which has just unveiled the world’s first sodium-ion power bank. Could this be the beginning of a new era for battery tech?

Elecom unveils the world’s first sodium-ion power bank

Featuring a 9,000mAh sodium-ion battery, the Elecom DE-C55L-9000BK (the name could use some work) promises to last over 5,000 charging cycles. That’s ten times more than what traditional lithium-ion batteries currently offer! The brand also claims that the power bank could last nearly 13 years, eliminating the need to keep repurchasing them.

The power bank is also more sustainable since sodium is abundant in nature and does not require mining or water wastage to be procured. Sodium is safer as well since it isn’t as volatile as lithium. These batteries are also capable of operating in extreme temperature conditions, from -35 to 50°C.

The power bank is priced at $67 (roughly Rs 5,800) on the Elecom store. It is available for preorder now, and shipping will begin at the end of this month.

Elecom power bank specifications

The Elecom sodium-ion power bank houses two output ports including a Type-C port and a USB-A port. The Type-C port is capable of outputting 45W, which is pretty fast. The USB-A port, on the other hand, is capable of speeds up to 18W. The power bank supports both USB PD and PPS charging standards.

The power bank houses LEDs that tell you its current battery capacity. According to Elecom, the power bank can charge an iPhone 16 one and a half times, and a 10th Gen iPad will get back about 60 per cent of its total capacity.

The power bank can be charged at 30W via a Type-C charging port. It also comes with a feature called collective charging where it can charge a device while being plugged in. Then there are the expected safety measures like a secure circuit design that prevent overcharging and short-circuits.

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While sodium-ion batteries have many advantages, one of the most significant disadvantages is the added bulk. These batteries tend to be heavier with the Elecom 9,000 mAh power bank weight 350 grams, which is quite heavy for its capacity. In contrast, lithium-ion power banks with the same capacity would weigh about 200 grams.

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