AZ-Based FreePower Has Reimagined the Modern Charging Station
The kitchen island has been the centerpiece of the modern home – as a workspace, gathering spot, and design statement. But as kitchens have become sleeker and more integrated, one detail has remained a visual and functional challenge: the electrical outlet.
The Modern Kitchen Island’s Design Dilemma
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), any kitchen island with a usable surface area of at least 12 inches by 24 inches must include a receptacle outlet. This ensures that homeowners have safe, accessible power for small appliances like blenders and mixers.
Until recently, outlets could be placed discreetly on the side of the island or just below the countertop’s overhang. However, the 2023 NEC tightened the rules for both safety and accessibility. Now, those receptacles must be located on or above the countertop surface. This change aims to reduce hazards and accidents from cords and improve accessibility.
A New Solution: FreePower for Countertop
Which presents a new design challenge for those who aren’t looking to add one of those pop-up electrical stations to their island: how to meet code requirements without disrupting the clean aesthetic that homeowners and designers love. That’s where FreePower comes in.
Founded in 2017 as Aira, FreePower began with a mission to reinvent wireless charging. The company first gained widespread attention after a successful appearance on Shark Tank in 2019, securing deals with Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and Robert Herjavec. Its first major product, the Base Station Pro, developed in collaboration with Nomad, introduced free-placement charging, allowing users to set devices anywhere on the pad without hunting for a “hot spot.”
Since then, FreePower’s trajectory has been remarkable. Named one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” in 2021, the brand went on to partner with Tesla to launch its second-generation wireless charging platform in 2023, followed soon after by integration into Rivian vehicles. Now, with FreePower for Countertop, the company is bringing that same innovation home.
Debuting at the 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), FreePower for Countertop is a design that turns any surface into a wireless charging zone. The technology was nominated for multiple Best of KBIS Awards, including Style Statement: Kitchen, Game-Changing Innovation, and Best in Show, and it earned three CES Innovation Awards for Smart Home, Smart City, and Embedded Technologies.
The 2024 KBIS, held February 27‑29 in Las Vegas, marked the show’s 60th anniversary and featured more than 600 exhibitors occupying approximately 450,000 square feet of exhibit space across four halls and an outdoor pavilion.
Around 100,000‑120,000 industry professionals attended the event, which took place during Design & Construction Week and included the International Builders’ Show. In 2024, the “Best of KBIS” awards recognized 48 finalists across seven categories, highlighting the most innovative products in the kitchen and bath industry.
A Game-Changer for Everyday Living
“I liked the FreePower product immediately,” attendee Rosie Romero said. “It is such a pain to constantly be looking for the right cord for the right laptop, phone, etc. It turns an annoying chore into a most convenient solution. It is also versatile in the way it works with many types of countertops.”
Instead of cutting outlets into the side of an island or running cords across its surface, FreePower allows homeowners to keep countertops completely smooth and uninterrupted. The system is embedded directly into the stone during fabrication, transmitting power through the material itself. The only visible clue is FreePower’s patented Charging Halo – a ring of light that glows through the countertop to indicate the active charging zone.
Controlled through an app, the halo’s color, brightness, and behavior can be customized, from delicate white to multicolor “party mode.” When not in use, it disappears, leaving a clean, natural surface. Wave a phone over the charging area, and the halo “wakes up” – a feature FreePower calls “Wave to Wake.”
Embedding technology into stone isn’t simple. The company had to develop a certification program for architects, designers, and fabricators. Certified professionals learn how to cut and mount the technology into materials safely and effectively. The company also partnered with Cosentino to make integration easier within industry-standard materials.
FreePower’s technology can be embedded into engineered stone, natural stone, even wood – though translucent quartz remains the most popular for its combination of strength and light diffusion. The system is software-upgradeable, ensuring it evolves alongside new devices, and its modular design allows for quick replacement if ever needed.
Sleek Design, Practical Benefits
While wireless charging is typically slower than a wired connection, it offers significant benefits for both design and device longevity. Slower, steadier charging generates less heat, reducing wear on a phone’s battery and extending its lifespan. It also eliminates cable clutter, reducing the constant plugging and unplugging that wears out cords and ports.
The system’s intelligent management algorithm ensures that it only delivers power to compatible devices, so everyday items like keys or utensils can safely rest on the surface without interference. Qi-enabled devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google all charge effortlessly, no precise alignment needed. The embedded module is also spill-safe and can withstand daily cleaning with standard products.
As the 2023 NEC moves toward stricter safety standards, requiring outlets to be located on or above countertops, designers and homeowners are searching for creative solutions that don’t sacrifice beauty for compliance. FreePower offers a way to maintain the clean, uninterrupted look of high-end stone surfaces while still meeting the practical need for accessible power.
FreePower has certified companies that can install their product in their countertops. If you have a preferred countertop manufacturer, they are happy to train them as well.
To learn more about FreePower for Countertop, visit freepower.io.
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