Future Apple iPhones can last a week on a single charge thanks to hydrogen fuel cells

Future Apple iPhones can last a week on a single charge thanks to hydrogen fuel cells

We've reported on several innovative battery technologies such as the ultra-fast-charging batteries and flexible or stretchable batteries, but nothing is as mind-blowing as the world's first hydrogen-powered battery developed by British company Intelligent Energy which could be integrated in future Apple iPhones.

Intelligent Energy claimed a breakthrough with a built-in hydrogen fuel cell on a prototype iPhone 6 which can last a week on a single charge! How is this possible? Well, its patented battery technology can generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen without producing significant amount of water and heat waste. 

The British firm also highlighted another key selling point of its battery technology; the incorporation of its hydrogen fuel cell system does not affect the current physical dimensions of the iPhone 6 and the only physical adaption to be made is the inclusion of rear vents for water vapour to escape. 

“We have now managed to make a fuel cell so thin we can fit it to the existing chassis without alterations and retaining the rechargeable battery. This is a major step because if you are moving to a new technology you have to give people a path they are comfortable with.” - Henri Winand, chief executive of Intelligent Energy

According to The Telegraph, the publication has seen how hydrogen gas is refuelled on the prototype fuel cell iPhone 6 via the adapted headphone socket. There are also rumors that Intelligent Energy is working closely with Apple although both companies declined to confirm the partnership.

To bring its battery technology into consumer electronic devices, Intelligent Energy states that it is developing a disposable cartridge which can be inserted at the bottom of future smartphones. While the company says it will take a couple of years for the technology to become mainstream, it really depends on how fast its partner "want to press the button and get on with it". 

With a cash pile of over US$202 billion and an highly efficient supply chain, you can expect Apple to deploy all necessary resources to get the technology perfected for use in its future iPhones.

Source: Telegraph