The SpareOne mobile phone is absolutely unique—running on one AA battery, it keeps its charge1 for up to 15 years.

It has no camera, web browser or other hi-tech extras such as touchscreens.2 Its designed simply to work as a phone—and built to last.

The phone goes on sale on March 15, priced at ￡60 in the UK and $70 in the US.

The phone is designed as a “backup” phone you can keep in the glove compartment for emergencies.3 The idea is that you can keep it there without worrying if its charged or not. Many modern mobiles will lose their charge over time, even if switched off4.

Its makers say that SpareOne is ideal to leave in the car for emergencies, or to pack in travel luggage—especially if you or your loved ones plan to go off the beaten track5.

The SpareOne can be pre-programmed for instant access to phone numbers of key contacts, including the relevant emergency services in any location. That single battery offers a talk time of up to 10 hours.

As the phones developer says: “Its essentially designed to make and receive the most important calls, no matter what.” The SpareOnes is also able to automatically transmit its location via its mobile ID, plus has a built-in torch.6

1. charge: 電量。

2. web browser: 網(wǎng)頁瀏覽器；touchscreen: 觸摸屏。

3. backup: 備用品，后備；glove compartment:（汽車前排座位前存放地圖等小物件的）雜物箱。

4. switch off:（用開關(guān)）關(guān)掉。

5. off the beaten track:（地方）偏遠(yuǎn)的，鮮為人知的。

6. automatically: 自動地；via: 通過；built-in: 內(nèi)置的；torch: 手電筒。