Powerslayer, a new portable USB charger for phones, tablets and other electronic devices, reduces energy waste in unique ways. The charger, which was successfully funded on Kickstarter in December, uses smart software that delivers energy only when it’s needed — so once a device is charged, it won’t continue sucking up power.
The charger has a built-in surge protector, works internationally and exceeds Energy Star Level 5 standards. Additionally, its unique design is both attention grabbing and portable.
Velvetwire, the company that produces Powerslayer, wanted to create a device that was elegant, not boring, according to its Kickstarter campaign. Powerslayer comes in a variety of colors and its charging cable has an eye-catching pattern. Consumers can even purchase travel cases made from natural wool felt and vegetable-tanned natural leather. The company’s founders want Powerslayer to start conversations about energy use and hope the charger’s design can help prompt these discussions.
Velvetwire also wants to bring electronics manufacturing back to the United States, so all parts of the company’s supply chain are within 70 miles of its headquarters in Santa Cruz, Calif. This helps limit waste associated with transportation. Plus, all packaging materials at Velvetwire are 100 percent recyclable.
The company’s founders, Jennifer Lee and Eric Bodnar, are entrepreneurs who have worked in the wireless and mobile device industries for more than 20 years. In 2008, they took a sailing trip that brought the issue of smart energy use to their attention. They noticed that at sea, energy had to be conserved, but on land, energy conservation was a choice. The two founders wanted to make that choice easier for consumers by providing convenient, efficient technology.
Editor’s note: The Powerslayer Blu smart charger is available for purchase on Amazon in four sailing inspired colors.