Charger maker CIO is offering owners of its SMARTCOBY Ex01 SLIM Qi2 & Cable power bank, which it voluntarily recalled in January 2025 over a fire incident, a free exchange for the successor model SMARTCOBY Ex04 Wireless2.2 CABLE SS5K, along with repurchase support for customers who already received refunds[1]. The Ex04 is a redesigned product built around a semi-solid-state cell, with pre-orders opening on March 27 and general sale starting March 31[1].
Background: The January 2025 Fire and Voluntary Recall
This announcement traces back to January 2025. CIO carried out a voluntary recall of the SMARTCOBY Ex01 SLIM Qi2 & Cable after a fire occurred due to a defective battery cell in some production lots[1]. The company again apologized for the concern and inconvenience caused to buyers and supporters alike[1].
Because power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, the quality and degradation of the cell directly affect the risk of overheating and fire. CIO cites a general usage guideline of roughly 300 to 500 charge-discharge cycles, or about two to three years, and warns that continued use of a degraded battery can raise the risk of abnormal heat or swelling[3].
Key Specifications of the Successor SMARTCOBY Ex04
The Ex04 is positioned as the successor to the Ex01, but its internals have been updated. The biggest change is the adoption of a semi-solid-state battery cell[1].
A semi-solid-state battery is a term for a configuration positioned between conventional lithium-ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte and all-solid-state batteries that use none; by reducing the amount of electrolyte and similar measures, it aims to lower the risk of fire and leakage. However, CIO notes that there is currently no public standard or industry-wide definition for semi-solid-state batteries, and that its own "semi-solid-state battery" is an operational label based on its proprietary definition derived from cell specifications, test conditions, and measured data[1].
The charging specifications are practical as well. The Ex04 supports Qi2.2-compliant wireless charging at up to 25W and wired output of up to 22W, charging smartphones quickly[1][2]. Despite a 5,000mAh capacity, the body is held to about 151g and roughly 14mm thick, making it a compact design that is easy to carry every day[1][2].
Free Exchange and Repurchase Support for Ex01 Owners
CIO's announcement breaks down into two responses[1].
The first is collection and a refund, or a free exchange for the Ex04, for people who own an affected lot of the recalled Ex01[1]. Moreover, eligibility for the exchange is not limited to owners of affected lots: every user who currently owns an Ex01 qualifies for the free exchange, regardless of whether their lot was affected[3]. The replacement color matches the Ex01 currently owned, with black and white available. White ships once stock arrives, which was expected around late April at the time of the announcement[1][3].
The second is repurchase support for the Ex04, aimed at customers who already accepted a refund as part of the Ex01 recall[1]. These customers are offered an Amazon coupon, or a dedicated Rakuten Ichiba page, that lets them buy the Ex04 for 5,980 yen including tax, the same amount as their refund[1]. The purchase can be made through either Amazon or Rakuten Ichiba[1].
How the Exchange Works and What to Watch For
For those who want a free exchange, the process starts by filling out an application form[3]. A collection kit is sent to the address provided, and owners use that kit to return their Ex01[3]. After the returned item is verified, the Ex04 ships within roughly two weeks[3]. CIO covers the return shipping, so the Ex01 can be sent back using the enclosed collection kit[3].
Whether your Ex01 belongs to an affected lot can be checked on a dedicated page using its serial number[3]. Inquiries about this matter are also accepted via the toll-free line 0120-337-304 (weekdays 10:00 to 18:00)[1]. Anyone still holding an Ex01 would do well to check its lot and condition for safety's sake.
Summary
CIO is offering, for the SMARTCOBY Ex01 it voluntarily recalled in January 2025, collection and refunds for affected lots plus a free exchange for the successor Ex04 available to every current Ex01 owner[1][3]. The successor Ex04 adopts a semi-solid-state cell and packs Qi2.2 wireless charging at up to 25W, wired output of up to 22W, and a 5,000mAh capacity into a body of about 151g and roughly 14mm thick[1][2]. Customers who already took a refund also get repurchase support to buy it again for the same 5,980 yen including tax[1].
Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000633.000043212.html
Source: https://connectinternationalone.co.jp/cioproduct/mobilebattery/smartcoby/cio-mb20w2c-ss5k-ex04/
Source: https://connectinternationalone.co.jp/pages/202501-ex01-info/
