Ostation X could help you overcome your dependence on disposable batteries.
Having a supply of rechargeable AA batteries could prevent hundreds of alkaline batteries from ending up in a landfill.
CES remains a gadget showcase despite the widespread use of technologies related to artificial intelligence, automotive, and robotics. One of the standout devices at the 2025 event was the Olight Ostation X, a charger for AA batteries that promises to be one of the smartest and most convenient on the market. This gadget is ideal for those who rely on disposable batteries, offering an alternative that could facilitate a return to using rechargeable batteries.
Olight presented a transparent version of the Ostation X at its booth, while the retail version uses gray plastic in the central part. While rechargeable batteries are useful, the process of charging them can often be tedious. Typically, one must locate the charger, ensure the correct type of battery is inserted, and wait between one and four hours, leaving the device that is desired for use out of service. This leads many to revert to disposable alkaline batteries, which not only incurs additional costs but also contributes to environmental pollution unless a proper recycling system is in place.
The Ostation X, which will cost $120 and be available in February, aims to simplify recharging by automating the entire process. To use it, one simply places the depleted rechargeable batteries on top of the device. From there, the Ostation X performs a testing and charging cycle for up to four batteries simultaneously, placing the fully charged ones in a lower compartment, ready for use. With the capacity to store up to 32 batteries, it may no longer be necessary to resort to disposable batteries.
The design of the Ostation X is so simple that one might think someone should have done it before. However, there were several technical challenges to overcome. For instance, the device can identify the orientation of the batteries and automatically adjust the polarity of the charging contacts, in addition to detecting if an alkaline battery is inserted and rejecting it. It can even mix different types of rechargeable batteries without issue, accommodating various capacities and charge levels.
Olight has also worked to ensure that the Ostation X meets electrical safety standards, implementing protections against overheating, overcharging, overvoltage, and short circuits. At the front, a circular LED display provides information about the charging status of the batteries, and a companion app allows users to track this information as long as it is within Bluetooth range. It has also been noted that the device can be somewhat noisy during charging, especially in quick mode, which is why the app allows programming of charging times.
It operates with a 12-volt USB-C power supply, included in the package, and has an additional USB-C port that can be used to connect more Ostation X units or charge other gadgets. Additionally, an optional wall mount will be offered for $16. Although personal tests of the Ostation X have not been conducted, the product appears to be well-designed, though there are some concerns regarding its internal mechanisms, which include gears and a small conveyor belt for handling the batteries.
Olight has promised that the Ostation X can handle 4,500 charging cycles, representing approximately two years of regular use. A version that charges AAA batteries is also in development, although there is no defined release date for this particular model.