Elecom launches environmentally friendly sodium-ion power bank

Elecom has introduced the Na Plus power bank, claiming it to be the first consumer-ready device using sodium-ion battery technology. This power bank has a capacity of 9,000mAh and can be used in extreme temperatures. The Na Plus is designed to be safer and can be recharged nearly 5,000 times. Elecom states it can last up to 13 years if charged daily. Sodium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly to produce than lithium-ion batteries, which have been the standard for decades. The power bank features a single USB-C port with a maximum output of 45W and an 18W USB-A port. Its LEDs show the remaining battery level, and it takes about two hours to fully charge. However, sodium-ion technology is still new and not as efficient as lithium-ion. Currently, the Na Plus is priced at 9,980 yen, roughly $67, and is only available in Japan. While cheaper lithium-ion options are available, sodium-ion batteries are considered safer and easier to produce due to the abundance of sodium. The Na Plus may be bulkier and heavier than traditional power banks, weighing 350 grams. Despite its size and price, the arrival of sodium-ion technology to consumers is seen as an exciting development.