The end is near for traditional lithium ion batteries and frankly it can’t come soon enough. There are too many stories of death and destruction due to lithium ion battery fires and that has to end.
Fortunately, LASER is bringing a new level of battery safety and reliability to Australia with the introduction of the SafeCharge Max powerbank range. It uses LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate or LFP (lithium ferro-phosphate) technology to make a safer, longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly portable power supply.
LFP batteries are not new, they’ve been used in larger power stations for some time, but they haven’t been used widely in compact handheld powerbanks. More accurately, they haven’t been imported by companies that go the extra mile to ensure safety.
“Until very recently, LiFePO₄ batteries were simply too big and too expensive to be effectively and cost efficiently implemented in smaller, everyday consumer powerbanks,” Chris Lau, LASER Managing Director, told Image Matrix Tech.
“The technology has evolved such that it is now smaller and more affordable to be able to integrate into compact, everyday powerbanks, and also corresponds with improvements in the electronics that manage the battery such that it is now safe, fast and reliable for personal use.”
Although Australians might find this technology from random online sellers, they are better off going through a business like LASER which goes to great lengths to ensure safety.
“We are the first to range in retail in Australia,” added Lau.
“There may be some available online from overseas, but in terms of buying such technology from a reputable brand in Australia, we are the first. We were able to do this through our extensive global sourcing and manufacturing teams, and when the opportunity arose to move into this area, we moved quickly and decided to range them.”
And when it comes to buying batteries, reputation for safety is paramount.
“LiFePO₄ batteries are much more stable than regular li-ion in so much as they don’t overheat as easily, are less prone to thermal runaway and resist catching fire,” explained Lau.
“This technology is better at handling full charges and deep discharges. and it won’t degrade as quickly over time. So there are fewer risks even in tough conditions like heat or drops. it lasts longer, and it offer more recharge cycles. This battery technology is already used in solar storage and electric vehicles, because of this better safety aspect.”
In the videos below you can see the difference and here’s a great breakdown of LiFePO4 v Lithium Ion Batteries from EcoFlow.
There is really no downside to LFP over traditional of lithium ion batteries aside from being less energy dense, therefore heavier, and a performance hit when extremely cold. But that’s it. A small price to pay when it comes to the benefits listed below.
LiFePO₄ BENEFITS IN SAFECHARGE MAX
- Recyclable- Uses Phosphate instead of less recyclable Metal oxides
- Non-Toxic- No toxic Cobalt, Nickel, or Lead
- Lighter- 70% lighter than Lead Acid and 30% lighter than Lithium Ion.
- More Charge Cycles- Up to 5000 charge cycles
- Safer- Will not explode if dropped or punctured
- Long Lasting- 5x longer than Lithium Ion
- Fast Charging- 85% in under 90 minutes
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The SafeCharge Max powerbank range is available now in three models and up to four colours.
- 20,000mAh – RRP $69.95 – available in Black Titanium and White Titanium
- 10,000mAh – RRP $49.95 – available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Aquatic Awe, Sunset Coral
- 5,000mAh – RRP $29.95 – available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Aquatic Awe, Sunset Coral
