General Description

Combining the Advantages

For the first time in battery-history it has been possible to combine the advantages of rechargeable batteries with the advantages of disposable batteries. This new kind of battery was developed by SANYO, the worldwide leader in rechargeable batteries in 2005, and was launched in the European market in 2006. Since then it has been the most successful new battery ever put on the market.

Historically disposable and rechargeable batteries had their individual advantages which were impossible to combine.

Disposable batteries could be used immediately out of the package and could be stored for months or even years without having to consider their self discharge. Their ease of use was unbeatable, and basically they could be used everywhere. However, once empty they had to be thrown away and a new battery had to be purchased.

Rechargeable batteries had the major advantage, that they could be used more than once. By re-charging, the use of one battery could be multiplied. This clear advantage however was associated with some less appealing aspects. Before usage they had to be charged, and once charged they lost their energy rather quickly, so frequent re-charging or charging just before usage was necessary.

Disposable Batteries	Rechargeable Batteries	eneloop

• can be used immediately • are simple to use • have low initial cost • can be stored for long time	• have to be charged before use • are complicated to use • have higher initial cost • need to be charged frequently	• can be used immediately • are simple to use • can be stored for long time

• can be used only once • are not environmentally friendly • have high long term cost	• can be used many times • environmentally friendly • have low long term cost	• can be used many times • environmentally friendly • have low long term cost