Two manufacturers recently recalled a number of business travel-centric lithium ion batteries due to safety issues.
Overview of fall 2024 battery recalls:
We had previously recommended two different lithium batteries due to their low cost and effectiveness. This included:
- Anker 20,000 mHA Battery for laptop use
- Baseus 20W MagSafe Battery for iPhone use
These batteries were involved in recent manufacturer recalls due to demonstrated fire hazard risk. This recall has been pushed by the United States Consumer Safety Commission. If you are using either of these batteries – stop using them immediately!
Next steps if you are using recalled business travel lithium ion batteries
If you were one of many batteries purchased through our affiliate links, please follow the below steps to see if your battery was impacted by this recall.
Step 1 – Locate and stop using your battery
The CSC has identified that effected batteries are a fire risk (primarily during the discharge process). So you should locate your battery and not use it until you check if it’s impacted by this recall. If you have other people in your office or household that might use this battery – inform them and mark the battery so that it won’t be used.
Step 2 – Check to see if your travel battery is subject to a recall
You’ll need the model and serial number from your battery to see if it’s subject to a recall. Once you’ve collected that information, visit the relevant website to check if your battery is impacted by the safety recall.
- Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K)/Anker Power Bank/Anker MagGo Power Bank battery recallAnker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K) – Model: Anker A1642Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Anker Model: A1647Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W, Stand) – Anker Model: A1652
- Baseus Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Banks recallBaseus Power Bank – Model: PPCXM06Baseus Power Bank – Model: PPCXW06
Step 3 – Register for a refund on your recalled battery
If your battery is subject to recall, follow the directions on the website to complete the form. In addition to the information above, you’ll need your order number and a copy of your invoice or receipt for the battery.
Step 4 – Replace your old battery with a non-hazard one
Still need to power your devices on the go? Check out the below suggestions for a few batteries that might be great for you.
Alternatives to recalled business travel batteries
We’ll be testing some new alternative batteries to keep business travelers charged on the move. But in the mean time, here are some batteries that look promising:
MagSafe Batteries for iPhones
- Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger ($30)
- Chusii 12,000 mHA Portable Charger ($35)
- Yiisonger Magnetic Wireless Power Bank – 10000mAh ($25)
Batteries to Charge Laptops on the Go
- Psooo 50,000 mHA 65W Charger ($60)
- Poiytl 50,000 mHA Charger ($40)
- PXwaxpy 30,800 mHA Charger ($30)
What does this recall say about the future of business travel batteries?
Both battery manufacturers claim that the recalls are from manufacturing defects, so this likely doesn’t signal anything about the future of travel batteries. While travel batteries have been around for a while, these models were relatively new. My speculation is that these models will be replaced with new models as they engineer features that are not subject to historical failure modes.
