Panasonic has announced it is launching new mobile power supplies. The company claims one model can charge a smartphone four times from a single use.

The power supplies launch May 28 this year in Japan. "[T]here is a particular interest in rechargeable power supplies, which are economical and cause less environmental impact as they can be used repeatedly," Panasonic said in the press release.

There are eight models in the Panasonic USB Mobile Power Supplies range, from lightweight models to those that allow mobile devices to be continually charged on the go. One model, the high-end QE-QL301, has a minimum capacity of 10,260 mAh with two USB ports to charge two devices.

The press release reveals that there are three models that can be charged wirelessly through Qi technology, done by placing a device on a charging pad. The PL102, PL202, QL101 and QL201 models come with LED lights that light up in the dark, making them easy to find in the event of a power cut.

"A survey of smartphone owners shows over 60% of them are worried about battery life. Addressing this concern, the QE-QL301 can fully charge a smartphone four times on a single charge ... For the high capacity models in the new series, particular attention has been paid to safety considerations, and the products feature various built-in safety controls and a design that isolates the battery compartment," the company added.

The three wireless models have minimum capacities of 2,700, 5,400 and 8,100 mAh. Also shown is a discharge-only model that looks like a felt pen, with a capacity of 1,900 mAh in the two units that are included. The Verge suggest this won't charge phones, but extends the battery life.

Aside from the QL301, the other models - which can be charged via USB or an AC adapter - have minimum capacities of 1,430, 2,700, 5,400 and 10,260 mAh.

No pricing has been revealed, but the devices can be used outside of Japan. Other regions require a separate plug or adapter.

(reported by Jonathan Charles, edited by Surojit Chatterjee)