SolidForge: Solid-state power bank supports MagSafe and is rugged

Power banks and batteries that use lithium are generally a mature technology and widely available. They also do not pose an unacceptable safety risk in everyday use. Even so, if a typical power bank is badly damaged, it can still go into thermal runaway, which can lead to fires, extensive property damage, and potentially serious injuries. So-called solid-state batteries are supposed to behave more safely even when heavily damaged, something SolidForge is trying to demonstrate in a video as part of the crowdfunding campaign for the power bank of the same name. The video shows a drill being driven through the power bank without any visible smoke or flames.

The SolidForge is available in two capacities: 5,000mAh (19.25Wh) and 10,000mAh (38.5Wh). The footprint stays the same at 4.06 x 2.61 inches, but the larger version is 0.73 instead of 0.46 inches thick and weighs 7.8 instead of 4.5 oz. There are also differences in output. The larger version supports 25-watt wireless output instead of just 15 watts. It also has a built-in USB-C cable that supports up to 45-watt output, along with a USB-C port with the same maximum output. The power bank itself can be recharged at up to 30 watts, which is relatively fast. It also includes a TFT display that can show information such as remaining capacity and charging output.

As part of the crowdfunding campaign, the 5,000mAh version is currently priced at about $50, while the version with twice the capacity costs about $60. Shipping fees may apply. Potential backers should also be aware of the significant financial risks involved in supporting crowdfunding campaigns like this.