Travelers in Japan can now buy power banks that prioritize safety over raw capacity, a shift that matters as regulators tighten rules on lithium-ion batteries in public spaces. Tama Denshi Kogyo released three new models this week that replace flammable liquid electrolytes with a semi-solid gel. This design choice aims to reduce fire risks during charging or transport, addressing growing concerns after a spike in battery-related incidents on flights.
New TLP series batteries use gel electrolyte for Japan launch
The lineup includes the TLP158UC, TLP159UC, and TLP160UC, each offering different storage capacities to suit varying travel needs. The smallest unit holds 10,000 mAh, while the mid-tier TLP159UC provides 15,000 mAh, and the top model TLP160UC reaches 20,000 mAh. All three units feature a captive USB-C cable alongside a dedicated USB-C port and a standard USB-A port for versatile device charging.
Specifications
- Capacity: 10,000 mAh (TLP158UC), 15,000 mAh (TLP159UC), 20,000 mAh (TLP160UC)
- Max Output (Single Port): 45 W (TLP158UC), 67 W (TLP159UC, TLP160UC)
- Max Output (Multi-Device): 30 W total shared
- Ports: USB-C (port + captive cable), USB-A
- Battery Technology: Semi-solid-state with flame-retardant gel
Output performance scales with size, with the 10,000 mAh model delivering up to 45 W on a single port. The larger 15,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh models push up to 67 W when charging one device alone. However, the total output collapses to 30 W once more than one connection is drawing power, which limits simultaneous high-speed charging for multiple gadgets.
Tama Denshi Kogyo claims the flame-retardant gel allows for steady output in extreme heat and cold conditions. The company also states the battery technology supports roughly 2,000 charge cycles, extending the usable life of the device compared to standard lithium-ion cells. The vendor describes the new semi-solid-state power banks as having a battery that is hard to set on fire, highlighting the safety focus of the release.
Pricing starts at 7,980 JPY (around $50.09) for the 10,000 mAh TLP158UC. The 15,000 mAh TLP159UC costs 10,800 JPY (around $67.79), and the 20,000 mAh TLP160UC is priced at 12,800 JPY (around $80.34). All three models went on sale in Japan on April 24, coinciding with the enforcement of a new ban on in-flight power bank use by Japanese authorities.
We looked at the broader context of battery safety regulations while tracking these new hardware launches. No word exists on any release beyond Japan at this time, so international buyers must wait for potential future announcements. The current availability is strictly limited to the Japanese domestic market.
Source: NotebookCheck
