Chances are, the list of mobile devices you carry that need charging up from a USB port is getting ever longer. This can be problematic, especially if you find yourself off-grid for a few days. Step up ‘Kraftwerk’ - A three second gas recharge stores enough energy in this fuel cell to charge an iPhone eleven times over. With a technology as new as this the fuel cell’s life expectancy is uncertain but Kraftwerk will be covered by a two year warranty. The unit is approved for carriage aboard aircraft in both its gassed or un-gassed state. It is approximately the size of a portable razor and fits neatly in the palm of your hand, it can be fuelled with lighter gas, camping gas or butane and the fuel cell conversion process by-products are just water vapor and carbon dioxide.

This unit output is rated at 2 W continuous (10 W peak) and could provide invaluable backup for rescue teams operating at remote locations or where mains power is unavailable. The innovative Kraftwerk has been developed by eZelleron Inc and they are looking for funding of $500,000 via a Kickstarter campaign. With 51 days to run the goal has already been exceeded. The predicted retail price of the unit will be in the region of $150 and delivery should begin late in 2015.