Outdoors

PowerTrekk 2.0 portable fuel cell charger packs 3x the power of the original

PowerTrekk 2.0 portable fuel cell charger packs 3x the power of the original
The PowerTrekk 2.0 is designed to charge more power-hungry gadgets such as tablets
The PowerTrekk 2.0 is designed to charge more power-hungry gadgets such as tablets
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myFC introduces the second-generation PowerTrekk portable fuel cell charger
1/5
myFC introduces the second-generation PowerTrekk portable fuel cell charger
All it takes is a myFC puck and a little water to create usable electricity
2/5
All it takes is a myFC puck and a little water to create usable electricity
The PowerTrekk 2.0 will hit the market in October
3/5
The PowerTrekk 2.0 will hit the market in October
The PowerTrekk 2.0 has upgraded capabilities over the original
4/5
The PowerTrekk 2.0 has upgraded capabilities over the original
The PowerTrekk 2.0 is designed to charge more power-hungry gadgets such as tablets
5/5
The PowerTrekk 2.0 is designed to charge more power-hungry gadgets such as tablets
View gallery - 5 images

After introducing its PowerTrekk portable fuel cell charger several years ago, Swedish company myFC is readying the 2.0 version. The new model is close to three times more powerful than the original, offering enough juice to charge tablets, along with smaller devices like smartphones and GPS units.

The PowerTrekk 2.0 gets its extra capacity from a more potent, efficient fuel cell, upgraded electronics and a larger 3,800 mAh lithium-ion battery (up from 1,500 mAh) that can be recharged via the fuel cell or grid. The new charger delivers 6.5 W of power and is able to charge gadgets up to tablet-size via its 5-volt USB output, unlike the original PowerTrekk, which isn't designed for tablets.

In addition to everyday electronics, it can be useful in keeping USB-equipped, outdoor-specific gadgets like GPS handhelds, action cameras and headlamps powered up when adventuring off the grid.

"The feedback we have received from customers using PowerTrekk 1.0 gave us the insight that we needed to develop a product for all kind of devices,” says myFC CEO Björn Westerholm. "People want to charge not only their smartphones, but also tablets, action cameras and so on. Today, we can offer the most advanced charging device on the market, and it offers environmentally friendly charging leaving only water vapor as a byproduct."

The PowerTrekk 2.0 has upgraded capabilities over the original
The PowerTrekk 2.0 has upgraded capabilities over the original

The recyclable aluminum fuel puck offers 1,400 mAh of electrical output, up from the 1,200 mAh of the original PowerTrekk's fuel puck. To use the charger, you simply add water to the bowl, pop the fuel puck in and use the energy to charge a connected device or the internal battery. There's no need to wait for the right weather conditions, as with portable solar and wind chargers.

The PowerTrekk 2.0 is slightly larger than the original, weighing in at 270 g (9.5 oz) vs the original's 240 g (8.5 oz) and measuring 5 x 2.6 x 1.9 in (128 x 66 x 47 mm). The fuel puck has the same weight and dimensions as its predecessor.

MyFC will launch the PowerTrekk 2.0 in October. Pricing details are yet to be revealed, but the original PowerTrekk is still available for US$150.

"This step was only a facelift," Westerholm teases. "You can expect much more from this very exciting technology."

Source: myFC

View gallery - 5 images
8 comments
8 comments
kellory
That's more like it! Grid power when you have it, fuel cell when you don't. A back up plan is always a needed detail. I will be more interested, once the real prices come out.
Shohreh
What's in the "fuel puck"?
How much do they cost, and how much power do they deliver?
BigGoofyGuy
I think this is a great idea. I think it can be used in emergency situations, by campers and travelers and anyone who need to charge an electronic device.
DonGateley
A proprietary fuel source is not ok. When I can use a hardware store butane can or a propane tank I get interested.
Darin Selby
Fuel puck? No, it's the same old centralized fuel story. You'll have to purchase their proprietory fuel to make it work.
Though, a tiny PEM electrolyzer could make the hydrogen and store it in a hydride container. Then a solar panel and some sunshine is all that you'll need.
Ralf Biernacki
"Fuel puck"? This is just like carrying a back-up battery, except that it is non-rechargeable, cumbersome in use, and costs 20 times as much. Sounds more like a fuel f. . . to me.
Mike Berlin
I'm at a loss for how this is better than carrying disposable batteries and a AA to USB charger that costs $10 from Walmart.
kellory
Am I the only one who read all of the copy? The original item could ONLY use fuel pucks, that was a problem for me at least. This version is duel fuel. You can charge it by ANY USB source, but if you are caught short, or run out of juice at night when solar is useless, you can drop in a fuel puck and recharge. (This is called a backup plan). If you carry a solar panel, that gives you three ways to charge and recharge. Fuel pucks are only needed, if your USB charge is not enough.