The importance of energy storage has been widely discussed as the international community pivots to renewable energy generation. Despite talk of innovative power storage, advances in battery power which charge most mobile devices today are often over-looked. Virtually every handheld device runs on battery power, from the dry cell AA batteries in remote controllers to the rechargeable lithium batteries in digital cameras and smartphones. One company is rethinking the world of mobile power through rechargeable batteries; in a way you might not expect.
Chi Yau and Joe Yeagley are the developers behind FuelRod, a rechargeable mobile battery charger which is changing the travel experience. With backgrounds in innovative energy storage technology, Yau and Yeagley recognized the need for added battery power on-the-go and saw an opportunity in the rechargeable battery market for the introduction of charger swaps.
A fuel rod kiosk at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. (Photo courtesy of fuel rod,... [+]
What makes this product unique from other rechargeable power packs is the concept of swap boxes. Strategically placed in airports and other key locations around the country, FuelRod swap boxes allow consumers to purchase a fully charged battery pack. Consumers then have the option of either swapping out the depleted FuelRod for a free fully charged product, or recharging their own. For $20, the FuelRod comes with a USB port and cable attachments for
After launching the first swap box at the San Diego airport in October 2014, the FuelRod is now available in 19 airports and growing, in addition to convention centers, shopping malls, and amusement parks across the country. Commenting on future expansion plans, Yeagley noted, “We are actively pursuing every airport in the United States.” Beyond the U.S., FuelRod also has a major presence in Switzerland, where the government welcomed FuelRod’s innovation.
FuelRod uses a lithium ion battery and is designed to add about eight hours of talk time to a smartphone or about four to a tablet. The FuelRod can be recharged with the USB cable within six hours according to the company. In our trials, which are not necessarily representative of all FuelRods, the charger took about two and a half hours to deplete once plugged into a smartphone, adding about 80% charge to an iPhone 6 and about 40% to a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. It is not necessary for the FuelRod to be fully charged before using it, so for a quick on-the-run power up, it will still add life to your device.
As a frequent traveller, I constantly observe people huddled around charging stations and power outlets at airports. Yeagley remarked airports have changed considerably, to now offer consumers a whole experience including shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Given the shift, they are now seeking to promote mobility through the airport. FuelRod’s concept takes on this challenge and addresses the need for mobile power, allowing people to engage in the whole experience untethered.
This product is an example of how innovation can positively impact everyday life and increase efficiency. At a time when energy storage is being touted, concepts like this open the door for new technologies. Yeagley anticipates some big announcements in the next few weeks and says consumers can expect to see FuelRod in more places soon.
