Elecom's new power bank promises 2,000 cycles and extreme-temperature operation

What’s the most annoying thing when you’re out in the woods and you try to charge your phone? The charging cable’s remarkable ability to disappear in limbo just when the battery reaches 2%. Elecom's latest power bank won't solve every charging problem, but at least it keeps the cable attached. The DE-C102 series is a 10,000mAh portable battery announced in Japan on November 11. The unit can charge your phone twice with a single cycle and it weighs just under 200g, making it very easy to carry in a full backpack.

But the more interesting feature is inside. Elecom uses a semi-solid lithium-ion battery with a gel-like electrolyte, which it claims reduces the risk of leakage and improves thermal stability. The company also announced that the new power bank can support around 2,000 charging cycles, roughly four times the number of cycles for conventional lithium-ion batteries. These are manufacturer claims based on standardized testing, not independently verified long-term results.

Elecom rates the device for supplying power at temperatures between -15°C and 45°C. A battery-health indicator changes color according to accumulated charging cycles, helping owners judge when replacement might be necessary. The USB-C port and built-in cable support fast charging at up to 20W through USB Power Delivery, or 22W with PPS (automatically adjustment of the voltage and current to suit compatible devices, potentially improving charging efficiency). When charging multiple devices simultaneously, however, the combined output drops to 21W.

A low-current mode designed for small accessories such as earbuds, fitness trackers and smartwatches, which require relatively little power, as well as pass-through charging are also supported. The DE-C102 series is scheduled for release in mid-November in black, white and a playful white-and-black Shiro-chan edition. Its listed Japanese retail price is ¥7,480, approximately $48.