Chinese startup WPG recently debuted a 5,000mAh quick charging power bank made with graphene. The company launched a crowdfunding campaign for what it calls the WPG Graphene Lightning Mobile Power Bank on JD.com and already raised more than double of its goal of 100,000 yuan, i.e. approximately $14,500. The crowdfunding campaign is still live for 11 more days, so it seems probable that WPG will raise more money in the meantime as many Chinese consumers are apparently thrilled with the idea of owning a massive mobile power bank that can be recharged in a matter of minutes.
More specifically, WPG is claiming that the 5,000mAh variant of its product can be fully charged in exactly 10 minutes. The WPG Graphene Lightning Mobile Power Bank will also be available in a larger, 10,000mAh variant with quick charging support. Both models have a maximum power output of 18W and won’t be prone to overheating thanks to the fact they’re made out of graphene. The batteries will be available in Matte Black, Sterling Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold Colors. JD backers can get the 5,000mAh model for as little as 179 yuan, which amounts to around $26. The 10,000mAh variant can be secured by pledging 239 yuan, or just under $35. WPG is also offering quantity discounts but is quick to point out how these prices are exclusive to JD backers. In other words, both variants of the WPG Graphene Lightning Mobile Power Bank will likely be somewhat pricier once they hit the market. There’s still no word on a firm release date, though WPG’s power bank is expected to launch in China in the coming months.
The concept of using graphene to improve battery design is not a completely novel one. Huawei and its Watt Laboratory debuted a set of graphene-assisted Li-ion batteries back in December, claiming how their products not only have a longer lifespan than regular batteries but are also able to operate at higher temperatures without overheating. Huawei’s batteries are allegedly capable of operating at up to 60°C (140℉), while the heat threshold of regular batteries amounts to around 50°C (122℉). It remains to be seen whether the WPG Graphene Lightning Mobile Power Bank is just as tolerant, but consumers in China seem to be excited about it.
