It was cold, it was dark and that loud thump THUMP made it fairly obvious that Ronald Durando's Porsche had a flat tire. As an experienced Porsche driver, and a prepared one at that, Ron wasn't worried. Not only did he know how to change a flat tire, he was prepared for almost all contingencies with an emergency repair kit, including a flashlight for the dark conditions. Unfortunately, all the preparation in the world doesn't help when your flashlight's batteries have gone dead from sitting too long.
Frustrated from his encounter with the dead batteries in his flashlight Ron decided then and there to come up with a better solution. Fortunately, as the co-founder of mPhase Technologies (a publicly traded company that manufactures and designs the batteries of the future, today) he was in a unique position to make good on his promise.
As a Porsche owner and enthusiast Ron was familiar with products from the legendary Porsche Design Studio. Confident in his company's unique battery technology Ron fired off a "cold" email to Porsche Design in an effort to gauge their interest in creating a product together. According to Ron, "one thing led to another and we now have a co-branding agreement with Porsche Design for this very unusual flashlight". Quite an understatement when you consider the technology and design of the Emergency Illuminator.
What is the mPower Emergency Illuminator?
First and foremost, it's a flashlight. However, calling the Emergency Illuminator a flashlight is like calling your Porsche a car. It's accurate, but it doesn't do it the justice it deserves. Seriously, what "flashlight" do you know of that can sit left alone on a shelf (or in your glovebox) for 20+ years and still be ready to light the way the at the very moment you need it? As if that weren't enough, the Emergency Illuminator has a built in USB port that allows you to charge any number of devices in the event of a power failure of other emergency.
mPower On Command™ Reserve Battery
At the heart of the mPower Emergency Illuminator is a revolutionary battery with a shelf life of at least 20 years prior to manual activation. Unlike conventional batteries, the mPower On Command Reserve Battery provides the full capacity of its charge decades into the future without deterioration or corrosion. In other words, when you need light, the Illuminator will deliver.
How does it work?
While we could try to explain the technology, it's probably easier to simply watch the video below.
PorschePurist's Review of the mPower Emergency Illuminator
When we first saw the Illuminator we knew we had to have one. When mPower offered to send us one of the first lights to roll off the production line in Austria to review, we jumped at the chance.
As sophisticated as the technology found in the mPower's unique reserve battery is, getting the light working is incredibly simple. Included in the shipping and storage box is everything you need.
Porsche Design's influence is evident the moment you open the box. The sturdy carrying case cradles the Emergency Illuminator in a foam surround that protects it both in transport and in storage. Out of the box, the matte black finish and sleek design of the two tube handle makes this light a piece of functional art. At first, I was a bit skeptical about the light's small size and sophisticated design.
However, after simply unscrewing a machined cap at the end of one of the two tubes (that make up the light's handle) and inserting the supplied CR-123 batteries, I saw the light I was converted.
An aluminum collar on the handle of the light is used to move between the off position, on and USB charging (more on this later). The intensity of the beam emitted by the Emergency Illuminator is nothing short of, well, illuminating. From such a small package, the LED throws a fixed width (as opposed to adjustable like the Mag) bright, white light that cuts through the darkness easily.
Additionally, the unique Porsche Designed case allows you to stand the light straight up (allowing you to illuminate an entire room, as if with a lamp, when the power is out) or to lie it on the ground and illuminate an object in from of you (say changing a tire in the dark) without having to worry about it rolling away as my Mag light so often does.
Due to its size and sleek, matte finish, I was originally concerned with the Emergency Illuminator's durability. However, the light is actually quite rugged and water resistant. The body is made from extruded aluminum and most other parts are machined aluminum. In other words, if you drop it, it will take the impact.
USB Charging Capability
Besides the innovative On Command Reserve battery, the other unique feature that sets the Emergency Illuminator apart from any other flashlight currently on the market is its unique ability to charge a myriad of portable electronic devices via its built in USB port. By simply moving the aluminum selector ring from “ON” to the “USB” position I was able to easily plug in my iPhone and bring its completely drained battery back to life using the supplied CR-123 batteries. According to the product literature, in an emergency situation, the On Command Reserve Battery will provide power for up to two hours of continuous light as well as charging ability to make and receive calls or your cell phone.
What to consider when purchasing the Emergency Illuminator
Pros
- unique battery technology with a shelf life of 20+ years
- USB port to charge portable devices in an emergency situation
- small, compact yet powerful and rugged
- high intensity, clean white light
Items to note:
- two tube handle makes for an awkward hand grip (this bothered me for quite some time until I realized the design is best suited for emergency situations where you will most likely be standing the light up straight or lying it on the side vs holding it your hand for long periods of time. Once I realized that I decided it's not really an issue but would be remiss if I didn't mention it)
- available glove box bracket not included in price
- no Porsche Design branding on the light itself
Price of the Emergency Illuminator and where to buy one
Like a lot of products developed in conjunction with Porsche Design, the Emergency Illuminator is not inexpensive. However, at $289 you’re not simply buying a status symbol from a renowned Design House. Instead, you’re buying a rugged emergency device that provides peace of mind and security!
What is it worth to know that the next time you need a light in an emergency situation, no matter how long ago you checked the batteries, that you’ll have one? Hopefully, you’ll never need to find out, but if you do and you have the Emergency Illuminator, you can rest assured that you won't be left in the dark.
If you're interested in owning one of these lights (as we are) to either put in your Porsche, or for your home, they can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. mPower's web-site offers much more information on the product as well as the Amazon.com checkout feature for added security.
This light would make a great Father's Day gift for the Porsche loving dad in your life and I'm sure it will make it on our recommended Porsche Christmas Gift list later this year.
For Additional Information
Emergency Illuminator Fact Sheet
Emergency Illuminator Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Illuminator Spec Sheet
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[Source: mPower and mPhase]
@Owen,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m not sure we agree with you though regarding pricing. It IS expensive. However, the technology is extremely unique and has significant value from an emergency preparedness standpoint.
In addition, let’s not forget that we’re at the very beginning of the product life cycle curve (introduction). We still have “growth, maturity and decline” and it’s fairly common for new technology products to be priced high to capture those “early adopters” who just have to have the new technology.
However, and more important, you can’t overlook the quality of design and functionality that this product creates with the merge of Porsche Design Groups form factor and mPhase’s battery technology.
Lastly, from what we understand, the consumer market is likely a very small portion of the overall strategy for this type of product. We would expect the real market to be in military and emergency response services.
With that said, we still think, at the current price point, that the glove box holder should be included.
With regard to the CR 123, we’re Porsche experts, not battery experts. Maybe you can check out Duracell’s site?
However, we do have a lot of new battery powered technology items that are now using this more compact 1.5V battery.
Thought it sounded like a great device until I got to the price. Until it comes down to a more rasonable level to justify the purchast of one for each of the cars and motorcycles, thinking I will have to stay with my Streamlight. Not a cheap light itself but is rechargable and comes with the ability for recharging both at hom and in the car.
Check your flashlight once a year to avoid having to spend an outrageous price for this item.
Initially, I was expecting to find a kinetically rechargable device (shake to charge).
Alternatively, there are hand-crank flashlight devices currently available for prices as low as $14.00
They may not be as glamorous as this mPower emergency light, but it’ll get the job done.
Lastly, the name, Mpower?
It sounds like a BMW Motorsport reference, not a Porsche design product.
I still am impressed with the longevity of this battery technology approach. Twenty-plus years is a good selling point.
Anyway, that’s my 2 cents.
Thought the product was very innovative. The way I see the price, less than $300 is small price to pay for some piece of mind – knowing you’ll always have a light for an emergency. Think it would be great for a boat as well.
I bought one as soon as they were available. It’s a terrific piece of equipment and does everything it’s advertisied to do. I’m getting 3 more for Christmas gifts for my wife and children. I also bought an extra “power of command” battery ” just in case I needed he other one for an emergency.
The greatness of this idea hit me when I went to check on our 9/11 emergency supplies (now almost 9 years old) and the batteries we had put away were at less than 60% of their original power. The powdered food was fine, water was ok; but, I would have hated to trust those batteries for very long.
The Emergency Illuminator is going in my car (sorry it’s a BMW) and one -with an extra battery or 2 – is going in my 9/11 emergency kit.
Thanks mPhase,
Darrell Graber
Thought the product was very innovative. The way I see the price, less than $300 is small price to pay for some piece of mind – knowing you’ll always have a light for an emergency. Think it would be great for a boat as well.
OK, so it has a shelf life of 20+ years prior to first use. Great. What’s the shelf life AFTER first use? several years? several months? At best, once the electrolyte is injected into the battery compartment, it becomes just a plain old battery. So, you’re paying $289 for a flashlight whose special features are GONE after the first time you use it. that’s $289 PER USE, a mighty expensive SINGLE USE FLASHLIGHT! Yes, I know it will still work for a while, but face it, after you use it ONCE, then it’s just the same as a regular flashlight, at least in terms of shelf life. I suppose you can buy replacement reserve batteries, but what do they cost, $149? $99? Still the same issue, yes?
Next, why CR123 batteries? They’re expensive and less commonly available. Why not good old AA’s? They’re cheap, available everywhere, and still more than small enough for a small flashlight.
Now, here’s a better suggestion. Let’s understand the real problem. A alkaline battery has a typical shelf life of seven years. A cheap plastic flashlight has a poor quality on/off switch which, even when “off”, isn’t completely off. The battery will still drain due to the leakage current through the switch. The battery will only last a few years if you’re lucky, or, in some cases, only a few months. Instead, buy a good quality flashlight like a Mini-Maglite, or something similar. They have a much better quality power switch with very low leakage. The battery life inside a good flashlight is just about the same as if the battery is in its original package, i.e., seven years.
Think about it. Buy a new battery and put it in your new, good quality flashlight, and the battery will probably OUTLAST YOUR CAR. For some, your next TWO CARS!!! (OK, for those of you with classic Porsches you’ve had since new, you’ll have to replace the battery a few times in 20+ years)
Mini Maglite: less than $10 new. That’s $10 for the single, best flashlight ever made, bar none. Two Duracell AA’s, oh, 50 cents at Costco? (disclaimer, I do not work for Maglite, Duracell or Costco).
By the way, there are also lithium AA batteries with shelf lives of ten to fifteen years. They cost a few dollars each, more than an alkaline, but orders of magnitude cheaper than $289!
I can just about guarantee that if any of you have actually encountered dead batteries in your flashlight when you needed it, it was because of the flashlight itself, not the battery.
Hey, Paul,
You asked what the shelf life is after you activate. According to the company’s spec sheet, “the On Command Battery is guaranteed to lose no more than 3% capacity loss per year at room temperature once activated.”
As for replacement cost, you can current by additional On Command batteries for $39.95. Also, the 20 year shelf life is a minimum. Hypothetically, it’s unlimited as there should be no leakage if not activated.
With regard to the CR-123, I can’t say. I would GUESS it is simply how Porsche Design Studio designed it as mPhase supplied concept for the light and the On Command Battery technology.
How many twenties could I burn to illuminate a flat tire at that price?
I’m usually disappointed with Porsche designs without four wheels.
Porsche hard drives, bicycles, and other consumer products usually miss the mark- I think.
For nine bucks I can buy a “dynamo” flashlight with it’s own generator. Shelf life?
Longer than 20 years…
Kind of hard to tell, but is the form factor of the replacement battery exactly the same as two CR123′s in a row? Now that would be slick and not too outlandish in price: forty bucks for an “on command” battery that I could use in any dual CR123 flashlight. They should also make one that’s the exact form factor of two AA’s stacked end to end so I could put it in any dual AA flashlight. Now that I’d probably pay 40 bucks for (but really, either form factor should cost more like 2x the cost of a two-pack of lithiums, say, around $8?. Probably attainable if there’s enough production volume).
Looks good. Too bad they didn’t read your piece on how to pronounce “Porsche”! That and the price.