NEWARK, N.J., June 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, one of the world's largest battery manufacturers and a global leader in rechargeable battery technologies, announces the debut of its new  2-in-1 Portable Hybrid Charger & Travel Battery line featuring a unique intelligent switching feature that charges your USB-powered devices first before recharging the travel battery. Ideal for the on-the-go consumer, the compact QE-AL201 (SRP $59.99) and QE-AL102 (SRP $39.99) offer long lifecycles when compared to most conventional mobile chargers and are available now at www.panasonic.com and select retailers nationwide.

Ideal for keeping your phone or other USB-powered devices charged and ready, this lightweight AC adapter and portable charger system is perfect for use at work, school, business and travel. Its slim profile fits easily into pockets and fits neatly into any purse, bag or luggage.

Smart AC Charging in Any Outlet
Panasonic Hybrid Chargers plug conveniently into any compatible AC outlet to provide fast, easy USB charging for iPhone® and Android smartphones and tablet devices as well digital cameras. While charging, the Intelligent Pass-Through charging system automatically prioritizes your smartphone/device first, then switches to charge the portable battery.

Conventional portable chargers utilize a concurrent charge which requires that both the inside battery and connected device charge at the same time. This method incurs charge/discharge loss, wastes device battery voltage, and increases the charge time. Panasonic's efficient Intelligent Pass-Through technology delivers less charge/discharge loss and faster, more convenient charge times.

Durable, Long-Life Travel Battery
You'll also enjoy the convenience of charging devices on-the-go with a reliable, long-lasting Panasonic Travel Battery which delivers up to a 2,500-charge lifecycle (QE-AL201 model)1 which exceeds most conventional mobile chargers.

• The QE-AL201 enables charging of two devices at one time with 5000mAh Li-ion travel battery, two USB ports, AC100 ~ 240V input and 5V DC 1.8A output. When fully charged, this high-capacity, portable power source stores enough energy to completely charge two smartphones one time, or one smartphone twice. And with its extraordinary 2500-charge life cycle, you can fully charge the battery — and two phones — once a day, every day, for over seven years before needing a battery replacement1.
• The QE-AL102 features a 1880mAh Li-ion travel battery, one USB port, AC100 ~ 240V input and 5V DC 1A output and has a 1600-charge life cycle. When fully charged this high-capacity, portable power source stores enough energy to completely charge your smartphone one time. And with its superior 1600-charge life cycle, you could fully charge the battery — and your phone — once a day, every day, for over four-and-a-half years before needing a battery replacement1.

"With the summer months upon us, people are going to be out and about, using their portable devices and cameras even more than normal. Our new line of sleek Hybrid Chargers gives consumers a highly-portable solution for instant access to the power they need to stay connected wherever they are," said Lara DeSignor, Senior Marketing Manager, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "If you are on-the-go, the Panasonic Hybrid Charger will be a must-have travel companion."

Safety First & Convenience Features
For maximum safety, the Panasonic Hyrbid Charger & Travel Battery line includes a SB to USB micro-B cable with overheat safety protection which detects abnormal status via the cable and microcomputer conduct controls. For maximum ease of use and convenience, both models feature a foldable AC outlet plug for storage, bright LED indicators for charging and power-level status, and manual on/off power control.

Award-Winning Design
Both the QE-AL102K and QE-AL201K Panasonic Hybrid Chargers were recently honored with 2015 iF Design Awards from among more than 4700 products and 50 countries. Considered one of the most prominent and authoritative international design awards, the iF Design Awards are selected by a panel leading independent and corporate designers from sectors including industrial design, product design, communication design, packaging design, interior architecture and professional concepts.

1 - Actual life cycle varies based on frequency of usage, temperature, status of smart phone, or other conditions

For more information about the Panasonic Hybrid Charger & Travel Battery line up visit the Panasonic USA website at www.panasonic.com.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company offers a wide range of consumer solutions in the U.S. including products from Ultra HD 4K TVs, Blu-ray Disc Players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness, Beauty, Personal Care products and more. In Interbrand's 2014 Annual "Best Global Green Brands" report, the Panasonic brand ranked fifth overall --  the highest ranked electronics brand in the report.

To learn more about Panasonic USA's products, visit www.panasonic.com. Follow Panasonic USA on Twitter @panasonicUSA; additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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SOURCE Panasonic