UK firm develops hydrogen fuel system for iPhone

Thanks to a working prototype of a hydrogen fuel system developed by a UK firm, charging smartphones from mains power could become a thing of the past.

The system can power an iPhone 6 for up to a week.

The Telegraph reported that the system developed by Intelligent Energy can fit inside a standard iPhone 6, although some vents would be needed for the release of an imperceptibly small discharge of water vapour.

According to Intelligent Energy,  it was exploring ways to bring the system to consumers.

Hydrogen gas is used in the current prototype, which is refuelled through a modified headphone port.

For consumers, the company plans a disposable cartridge filled with enough hydrogen-releasing powder to power the iPhone for up to a week, after which it needs to be replaced with a new cartridge.

In 2012 Japan's Suzuki Motors had formed a joint venture with UK-based Intelligent Energy to manufacture fuel-cell systems.  (See: Suzuki Motors to form fuel cell systems JV with UK's Intelligent Energy).