The new, improved eneloop

eneloop - ready to use rechargeable battery

Since its launch in November 2005 eneloop has become well-known around the world as it has revolutionized the consumer-use rechargeable battery segment with its unique features:

rechargeable approximately 1,000 times
coming pre-charged, making it usable immediately after purchase
its unique design departing from the look of traditional batteries

What is the difference between the "old" and the "new" improved eneloop?

An extra of 500 charging cycles - instead of being rechargeable 1000 times, the new eneloop is even rechargeable up to 1500 times.
Improved self-discharge. Even though the self discharge of the old eneloop was already very impressive, you can store the new eneloop for 3 years and still it will retain 75% of its capacity.
You need a battery, which is reliable even when having cold temperatures? Before eneloop was suitable for temperatures as low as -10°C - now even until -20°C.
The new eneloop is even more environment-friendly as it is pre-charged with solar energy in Japan.

The specifications of eneloop will remain the same. Both types are having a nominal voltage of 1,2 V. The Mignon-eneloop (AA) has a rating capacity of 2000 mAh, the Micro-eneloop (AAA) does have a rating capacity of 800 mAh.

In order to celebrate the improved eneloop a new fresh blister design has been created.

How can you check which eneloop is an "old" one or an improved one?

All original SANYO battery packages containing the improved eneloop have the information "Up to 1500 times" on the front. Also you can differentiate the two generations by checking the model name which is written on each eneloop. The "old" cells have written HR-3UTG (AA) and HR-4UTG (AAA) on them, the improved eneloop instead HR-3UTGA (AA) and HR-4UTGA (AAA). Additionally the new models have a crown on them.

top: "old" eneloop HR-3UTG, bottom: improved eneloop HR-3UTGA

More information about the new features:

Rechargeable up to 1500 times.

Incorporating new technologies for material, manufacturing method and structure developed through the knowledge gained since the first release of eneloop the number of times a battery can be recharged has been increased by the factor 1.5 to approximately 1,500 times compared to the conventional models. With the ability to recharge the battery more times, the new “eneloop” is both more economically competitive and enhanced in environmental awareness as it means the amount of overall battery waste will be reduced.

Ready to use even after 3 years of storage.

Rechargeable batteries typically have a self-discharge characteristic which gradually reduces charged energy over time. This is considered the downside of typical rechargeable batteries. It renders them inconvenient since they can not be used immediately after being purchased, requiring the batteries to be charged to start using them and recharged if they have been left on the shelf for a period of time. Since eneloop batteries have a low self-discharge rate, they are pre-charged and usable immediately after purchase like dry cell batteries. The new eneloop battery continues this tradition by using SANYO’s original “super-lattice alloy” for negative electrode material and improvement of materials and structure, a fully-charged “new eneloop” battery can maintain approximately 75% of charged power even after 3 years, ensuring that power is available when needed.

: Discharge characteristics new eneloop / Click to enlarge

Solar energy is used for factory pre-charging.

The new eneloop batteries are pre-charged in Japan by “green power” from photovoltaic generation. This means that a part of the electric power used for manufacturing (the amount equivalent used for factory pre-charging) is generated using clean, renewable solar energy.

Other Features

Outer covering label used to prevent damage from repeated mounting/dismounting
Stable discharge voltage ensures longer lasting power than a dry cell battery even in low temperatures or when using it with a device that requires a large amount of electricity, such as a digital camera.
Can be recharged without ever worrying about memory effect.

The new, improved eneloop, in stores now.