In 2015, the Kraftwerk portable charger emerged as a revolutionary concept in the realm of mobile power solutions. Promising to harness fuel cell technology for on-the go charging, it captivated the imagination of tech enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
However, nearly a decade later, the question remains: What happened to this ambitious project?
The Rise of a Kickstarter Legend
The Kraftwerk charger was introduced by eZelleron Inc., a German startup led by Dr. Sascha Kühn. Marketed as a “personal power plant,” the device aimed to provide electricity using lighter gas or camping fuel, eliminating the need for traditional batteries.
Launched on Kickstarter in January 2015, the campaign resonated with backers, raising over $1.5 million triple its initial goal. The promise of a compact, fuel-based charger that could power devices anywhere struck a chord with those seeking reliable off-grid energy solutions.
Delays and Development Challenges
Despite the successful funding, the project soon encountered significant hurdles. In June 2016, eZelleron announced a six-month delay in shipping the devices, citing unforeseen technical challenges.
The company expressed intentions to maintain its staff in Dresden and continue production, but the delays eroded backer confidence.
Legal Entanglements
Compounding the project’s difficulties, eZelleron faced a trademark infringement lawsuit from the German electronic band Kraftwerk.
The band argued that the use of their name for the charger could cause confusion, leading to legal complications that further stalled the project’s progress.
Public Backlash and Financial Collapse
As delays mounted and communication from eZelleron dwindled, backers grew increasingly frustrated. Many took to forums and social media to express their concerns, with some labeling the project a scam.
Reports surfaced that eZelleron GmbH would likely be liquidated, with its assets transferred to a new holding company in Silicon Valley, raising further questions about the project’s viability.
The Founder: Dr. Sascha Kühn
Dr. Sascha Kühn, the visionary behind the Kraftwerk charger, had a background in physics and a passion for alternative energy solutions. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the project’s setbacks and legal issues overshadowed his innovative aspirations.
In subsequent years, Dr. Kühn has remained relatively out of the public eye, with limited information available about his current endeavors.
Current Status of the Kraftwerk Portable Charger in 2025
As of 2025, the Kraftwerk Portable Charger has not been delivered to backers and is no longer in development. The original manufacturer, eZelleron Inc., filed for bankruptcy in the United States in 2016, and its German parent company, eZelleron GmbH, has ceased all known operations.
The product never entered commercial production or retail sales.
The official company website is offline, Kickstarter updates have stopped since 2016, and no social media accounts remain active. Attempts by backers and journalists to contact the company or its founder, Dr. Sascha Kühn, have gone unanswered in recent years.
Several online watchdog communities, including Reddit discussions, continue to list Kraftwerk as one of the most prominent examples of a failed Kickstarter hardware campaign.
There is no indication that the product will ever be revived or released, and no refunds were issued to the 11,000+ backers who supported the campaign.
A Legacy of Warnings
The Kraftwerk charger’s trajectory serves as a cautionary tale for crowdfunding ventures. While the concept was groundbreaking, the execution fell short due to technical challenges, legal disputes, and communication failures.
The project’s downfall underscores the importance of thorough planning, transparent communication, and legal diligence in bringing innovative products to market.
FAQ
Q: What was the Kraftwerk Portable Charger?
A: A fuel cell-powered charger developed by eZelleron Inc., designed to generate electricity using lighter gas or camping fuel.
Q: Who founded the project?
A: Dr. Sascha Kühn, a physicist and entrepreneur from Germany.
Q: Was the charger ever delivered to backers?
A: No, the product faced multiple delays and was never mass-produced or shipped to supporters.
Q: What legal issues did the project face?
A: eZelleron Inc. was sued by the band Kraftwerk for trademark infringement over the use of the name “Kraftwerk.”
Q: Is the Kraftwerk charger available today?
A: No, the project was ultimately discontinued, and the product is not available on the market.
TL;DR
The Kraftwerk charger promised a fuel cell-powered solution for mobile devices but faced delays, legal issues, and was never delivered.
