Xpal
Spare One

The SpareOne was the world’s first mobile phone that was able to run on a single AA battery. By using a standard battery, this made it possible to maintain its charge for up to 15 years. It was designed for users in an emergency situation, undertaking worldwide travel and visiting locations when accessing power was not an option. The SpareOne was a dual-band GSM cell phone with patented technology that enabled it to be powered using the most common and widely available battery, an AA (Alkaline, NiMH or Lithium). It had a talk time of up to 10 hours. To support its emergency credentials the phone had a built-in flashlight torch and the ability to automatically transmit its location via cell ID technology. Xpal also marketed the device for use in a crisis or natural disaster when AA batteries become one of the only sources of power. At launch, the phone cost $50 and was bundled with an Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA battery and a SIM card.