Australian tech boss pushes for safer power bank tech

Power banks have been in the news lately, and normally for all the wrong reasons. Mass recalls and fire hazards have left many questioning whether the convenient portable chargers are worth the risk. One of Australia’s longest-serving consumer technology leaders is convinced that power banks made using Lithium Iron Phosphate are a much safer alternative.

Penning an opinion piece on LinkedIn, Laser CEO Chris Lau flew the flag for Lithium Iron Phosphate technology, also known as LiFePO₄. Laser launched its first set of LiFePO₄ power banks in May this year, which are said to last longer and pose fewer risks than devices that commonly use lithium-ion technology.

Electric vehicle batteries and portable power stations use LiFePO₄ technology, largely because of its longevity. In power banks, lithium-ion variants typically last up to 1,000 cycles. Meanwhile, LiFePO₄ power banks are said to last much longer, up to 5,000 cycles or more.

“Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO₄ offers better thermal stability, longer lifespan, and eliminates the risk of fire,” Lau wrote. “Our decision to adopt this battery technology isn’t about profits or market ownership, it is about doing the right thing for our consumers and leading with safety.”

He candidly admitted that using the battery type was “a difficult decision commercially” because it costs Laser more to use. Lau added that the company is currently “absorbing these (cost) increases without passing them onto consumers” to remain consistent with the brand’s affordable ethos.

Laser plans to transition its entire power bank range to LiFePO₄ technology by mid-2026. Lau also discussed that the company is exploring how it can include safer battery technology across its other devices, many of which fill shelves at major retailers like Big W and Harvey Norman.

The post Australian tech boss pushes for safer power bank tech appeared first on GadgetGuy.