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| The SolidForge is a solid-state power bank with a display |
If you’ve ever watched a lithium-ion power bank go up in flames after a hard drop or a nasty puncture, you know the feeling: that mix of horror and helplessness as acrid smoke pours out and tiny jets of fire take on a life of their own. Thermal runaway is no joke, and while modern batteries are generally safe for everyday use, the “generally” does a lot of heavy lifting. That’s exactly why a new crowdfunding campaign from a company called SolidForge is grabbing attention—by literally drilling through its own product on camera, with no smoke, no flames, and no dramatic meltdown.
The promise? Solid-state battery technology that’s supposed to shrug off damage that would send a conventional lithium pack into a violent spiral. And the video, posted as part of the SolidForge power bank’s Kickstarter push, shows a power drill biting straight through the unit. No fire. No visible smoke. Just a hole and a still-functioning (or at least non-combusting) device.
Why Solid-State Changes the Safety Equation
Conventional lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries rely on a liquid or gel electrolyte to shuttle ions between electrodes. That liquid is flammable, and when the battery’s internal separator is compromised—say, by a metal object piercing the casing—a short circuit can trigger a chain reaction. Temperatures spike, the electrolyte vaporizes or ignites, and suddenly you have a pocket-sized blowtorch.
Solid-state batteries replace that liquid with a solid electrolyte, typically a ceramic or polymer-based material that doesn’t burn. They’re not invincible, but they’re dramatically more resistant to thermal runaway. Even under heavy physical abuse, a solid-state cell is far less likely to vent, smoke, or catch fire. That’s the headline feature SolidForge is betting on.
In the campaign video, the demonstrator doesn’t just tap the power bank with a drill. They drive the bit straight through the body, then pull it out and show the aftermath. No flames, no hissing, no dramatic cutaway. It’s the kind of test that would be borderline reckless with a standard power bank—but for a solid-state design, it’s a controlled demonstration of the technology’s core advantage.
Two Sizes, Real Output Differences
The SolidForge power bank comes in two capacities: a 5,000mAh (19.25Wh) model and a 10,000mAh (38.5Wh) version. Both share the same footprint—4.06 x 2.61 inches—so they’ll fit in roughly the same pocket or bag. The extra capacity shows up in thickness and weight. The smaller unit is a slim 0.46 inches thick and weighs 4.5 ounces. The larger version bulks up to 0.73 inches and 7.8 ounces.
That’s not just a capacity bump. The bigger model also packs more powerful charging features. Wireless output goes from 15 watts on the 5,000mAh version to 25 watts on the 10,000mAh unit. More importantly, the larger power bank includes a built-in USB-C cable that can deliver up to 45 watts—enough to fast-charge many smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops. There’s also a separate USB-C port with the same 45-watt output, so you can charge two devices simultaneously at high speed.
Recharging the power bank itself tops out at 30 watts, which is relatively quick for a compact solid-state pack. Both models feature a small TFT display that shows remaining capacity in percentage or bars, plus real-time charging output. That’s a nice touch—no more guessing whether you’re pulling 5 watts or 20.
Crowdfunding Pricing: Tempting but Tricky
As part of the early crowdfunding push, the 5,000mAh SolidForge is priced at roughly $50, while the 10,000mAh version comes in at about $60. Those are attractive numbers for any power bank with solid-state cells, let alone one with a built-in cable and a TFT screen. For comparison, mainstream lithium power banks with similar capacities and fast-charging support often run $30–$50, but they don’t offer the same safety story.
Looking to see the drill test for yourself or snag one at the early-bird price? Check out the campaign here:
SolidForge 45W Qi2 MagSafe Solid-State Power Bank on Kickstarter
That link takes you to the full campaign page, where you can watch the puncture video, compare the two models, and decide whether the solid-state safety premium is worth it. Just remember: shipping fees may apply depending on your location, and the prices shown are for backers, not retail buyers.
The Fine Print Every Backer Should Read
Here’s the part that doesn’t show up in the glossy video. Crowdfunding is not a pre-order. When you back a Kickstarter campaign, you’re not buying a finished product—you’re funding a development and production effort. That comes with significant financial risk. Delays are common. Specifications can change. And in a worst-case scenario, the project might never deliver at all.
SolidForge appears to have a working prototype (the one they drilled), which is a good sign. But moving from a handful of hand-built units to mass production is a different beast. Supply chain issues, certification delays, or manufacturing defects can all push shipping dates back by months. Some backers have lost money on campaigns that looked just as polished as this one.
So if you’re tempted by that $50 or $60 price tag, ask yourself: would you be okay losing that money entirely? If the answer is no, wait for retail availability—even if it costs more later. If you understand the risks and still want to support solid-state innovation, crowdfunding can be a great way to get early access.
Bottom Line: A Promising Glimpse at Safer Portable Power
The SolidForge power bank isn’t trying to reinvent charging speeds or capacity records. It’s not the smallest or the cheapest. What it offers is a genuine safety upgrade in a form factor that actually fits in your pocket. The drill-through video is compelling, and the specs—45-watt output, 25-watt wireless, TFT display—are respectable for a compact solid-state pack.
For frequent travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who’s ever winced after dropping a power bank onto concrete, the peace of mind might be worth the crowdfunding gamble. Just go in with eyes open. The technology is real. The risks of Kickstarter are also real. But if SolidForge delivers, this could be one of the first solid-state power banks that’s both genuinely useful and genuinely safer than the lithium brick in your bag right now.