Powering in the New Decade at the Duracell Smart Power Lab in New York City’s Times Square

For the second year in a row, New Yorkers and tourists alike will have the chance to literally help power the 2010 numerals by pedaling a Power Rover in the Duracell Smart Power Lab in Times Square. The rovers use rotary technology to capture human energy created from every push of the pedal. The energy is then converted into usable power and routed and stored at Duracell Battery Center, so it can be used light up the 2010 numerals as the New Year’s Eve Ball drops when the clock strikes midnight.

“When the world watches the New Year’s Ball drop and the numerals light up at midnight on January 1, our guests will be able to say they truly powered the start of a new decade,” said Rick June, Duracell vice president and general manager, North America. “The Smart Power Lab is just one example of how Duracell delivers innovative, efficient and reliable ways to power important moments today and for decades to come.”

In addition to the opportunity to help light up the New Year, Lab visitors to Times Square can try out Duracell’s latest Smart Power offerings that address the ever-growing and ever-changing power needs of the modern consumer. Visitors can also recharge their mobile electronic devices – such as cell phones, BlackBerrys, digital cameras, iPods, MP3 players, portable gaming devices and more – at Duracell Charging Stations set up throughout the venue. Guests can also play the latest titles from Microsoft Xbox and take their photo with a life-size replica of the 2010 numerals.

Visitors attending the New Year’s Eve festivities will be relieved to know the annual Charmin Restrooms in Times Square have returned for the fourth consecutive year. Guests will enjoy two floors of fun: the first offers a free, clean and family-friendly place to “enjoy the go” with 20 clean, deluxe, ADA compliant, family-friendly and fully-staffed restrooms and the second provides a place where they can interact with the latest charging gadgets, re-charge their own devices or help generate the energy needed to illuminate the 2010 numerals.

The Duracell Smart Power Lab and Charmin Restrooms will be open on December 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Charmin Restrooms will be open on New Year’s Eve from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m., offering the crowd of millions in Times Square a safe and accessible bathroom haven after the 2010 Ball drops. The facilities are located at 1540 Broadway in Times Square between West 45th and West 46th streets.

Tags: Alternate Fuels/Energies, EcoFriendly Alternatives, Electric, Green News