3D Printed Modular Power Bank Is Infinitely Repairable

At first glance, the Zero is the most clunky and unattractive power bank you can find today. There’s a good reason for that, though: you can take it apart without tools, swap out the weak cells for new ones when the time comes, and keep using it for much longer than any other power bank will last.

Ctrl Energy, the Paris, France-based company behind it, says their idea was to create a device that wouldn’t become obsolete or have to be completely scrapped just because it wasn’t working at its best. That’s why the Zero is not sealed and uses rechargeable batteries that you can buy anywhere.

The lid of the power bank is magnetically attached, so you can remove it at any time and insert new cells when the old ones don’t hold their charge like before.

The Zero has six 18650 lithium-ion cells of 3,500 mAh each, which is approximately 21,000 mAh. Its USB-C port allows you to charge other devices up to 100W, and you can recharge the Zero itself at the same speed. An additional USB-A port charges 18W and can also wirelessly charge devices up to 15W.

The company recommends replacing them with validated cells from Samsung, LG or Molicel. These can be found at most e-commerce stores like Amazon for just a few dollars each. Alternatively, you can request a cell recharge from Ctrl Energy itself.

Now this is where things get interesting. This isn’t just for charging devices via a cable. A magnetic interface on the side allows you to connect add-ons and personalize your Zero.

That includes a flashlight, additional USB ports, a snap-on light panel for improved video recording, and a face-tracking tripod that can hold the Zero and your magnetically attached phone.

Using additional Zeros and a plugin that syncs multiple power banks, you can create a powerhouse that can power many more devices. Up to five Zeros can be chained into a 105,000 mAh behemoth for extended outdoor adventures.

You can even connect an 18W foldable solar panel and complete the Zero when you’re off the grid.

The Zero also hides a couple of clever tricks in its design. That prominent cutout near the top acts as a handle and a way to hang it from your gear using a carabiner. It also leaves room for an iPhone’s camera module when you place the phone down for wireless charging. Lastly, it may contain a cable winder that you can 3D print yourself.

Now, if this is too big, you can also get the Subzero, which uses a replaceable 5000 mAh cell and works with magnetic plug-ins just like its brother.

Ctrl Energy is crowdfunding the Zero on Kickstarter, where you can order one for $89 (below its expected MSRP of $128). The Subzero is available for $39 (was $56).

All crowdfunding campaigns carry an element of risk, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you decide to back this campaign. This is Ctrl Energy’s first Kickstarter campaign. But for what it’s worth, the brand has surpassed its funding goal and extensively details the development and testing of the Zero on its campaign page.

If all goes as planned, orders are scheduled to ship worldwide in June 2027 and shipping costs will be calculated once the campaign ends.

Source: Kickstarter

Note: New Atlas may earn commissions on purchases made through links.