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+ 5th generation of Eneloop |
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{{Short description|Japanese rechargeable batteries brand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Infobox brand
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| producedby = Panasonic
| country = Japan
| introduced = {{start date and age|November 2005}}
| discontinued =
| related =
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[[File:Eneloop AA ja on charger.jpg|thumb|right|Sanyo Eneloop battery charger]]
{{Nihongo|'''Eneloop'''|エネループ|Enerūpu|lead=yes}} (stylized as '''eneloop''') is a brand of 1.2-[[volt]] [[low self-discharge nickel–metal hydride battery|low self-discharge nickel–metal hydride]] (NiMH) [[rechargeable batteries]] and accessories developed by [[Sanyo
Eneloop [[Electrochemical cell|cells]] lose their charge much more slowly than the 0.5–4% per day loss of
Since Sanyo introduced the Eneloop, many other brands of low-self-discharge batteries became available, described as "low self-discharge","LSD", "pre-charged", or similar. By 2020 most NiMH batteries available were of this type, with varying capacity, self-discharge rate, and lifespan. Those made in Japan are all made in the same factory, but not necessarily to the same specification as the Eneloop brand.<ref>{{cite news| last=Ahsan | first=Hibba | title=4 Best AA and AAA Rechargeable Batteries in 2022 Buying Guide | newspaper=Haaretz Info & News Magazine 2022| url=https://www.haaretzdaily.com/best-rechargeable-batteries/ | access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> There are also counterfeits of Eneloop and other well-regarded brands.
Because they can replace a large number of alkaline batteries over their life cycle, they are marketed as being eco-friendly.▼
▲Because they can replace a large number of alkaline batteries over their life cycle,
==History==
Sanyo was acquired by Panasonic in 2009. In exchange for US [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] approval of the takeover, Panasonic agreed to sell Sanyo's portable NiMH battery business to [[Fujitsu]] subsidiary FDK in order to preserve competition,<ref name='twice' /> and later did so.<ref name='fdk_pr'>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fdk.com/whatsnew-e/release091028b-e.pdf|title=Announcement of basic agreement concerning the transfer of shares of SANYO Energy Twicell Co., Ltd. and SANYO Energy Tottori Co., Ltd. to FDK Corporation|date=28 October 2009}}</ref><ref name='twice'>{{Cite web|url=https://www.twice.com/news/panasonicsanyo-divest-nimh-battery-operations-fdk-18313|title=Panasonic/Sanyo To Divest NiMH Battery Operations To FDK|last=Tarr|first=Greg|website=Twice|language=en-us|access-date=9 February 2019|date=24 November 2009|archive-date=10 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210152606/https://www.twice.com/news/panasonicsanyo-divest-nimh-battery-operations-fdk-18313}}</ref>
==Technology==
After NIMH rechargeable batteries were introduced, they were developed to increase capacity. This was done by using thinner insulators internally, allowing more of the active components to be used and thus increasing capacity. The thin insulators allowed significant leakage, leading to relatively short [[self-discharge]] times. Eneloop batteries were designed in a way that [[trade-off|traded off]] somewhat lower capacity for much slower self-discharge.<ref name=rockwell/> The trade-off was modified for the Eneloop Pro series, providing higher capacity but with more self-discharge and shorter lifespan. The Eneloop Lite series traded significantly lower capacity for longer lifespan, and also faster charging and lower weight.
== Variant description ==
The Eneloop is the standard general-purpose cell. The cheaper Eneloop Lite has lower capacity and a longer lifespan in charge cycles, but the standard and Lite of about the same time have very similar total lifetime capacity in watt-hours. The more expensive Eneloop Pro has significantly higher capacity and is suitable for higher-current applications, but has poorer charge retention and shorter lifespan in charge cycles; total lifetime capacity in watt-hours is much less than the other versions. Numerical data are listed in the [[#Variant comparison tables|variant comparison tables]] section. The discontinued Eneloop Plus was similar to the standard Eneloop, with overheating protection.
=== Eneloop ===
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==== 3rd generation ====
[[File:Eneloop 5th anniversary special glitter edition pack front.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Eneloop 5th anniversary special glitter edition pack]]
In October 2011 the batteries were again improved to retain up to 90% of their capacity after one year, 80% after three years and 70% after five years. The batteries can be recharged up to 1,800 times, rather than the 1,500 times of the previous revision. The part numbers for third generation cells are HR-3UTGB (AA) and HR-4UTGB (AAA). At the same time, the C- and D-sized Eneloop batteries' stated minimum capacities were increased to 3,000 mAh and 5,700 mAh respectively. They were available in Japan from November 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2011/10/06-1.pdf |title=Sanyo New Eneloop Batteries Remains Capacity Longer – {{Sic|hide=y|Fully|-}}recharged new eneloop keeps approx. 70% power after 5 years of storage |publisher=[[Sanyo]]
European models went on sale from the beginning of October 2012.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150407214425/http://www.eneloop.eu/fileadmin/web_data/Press_Area/Press_Releases_and_News_ENG/Press_Release_eneloop_1800_12092012_EN.pdf Sanyo introduces new eneloop with 1800 life cycles to European market – Longer capacity with added life span: new eneloop keeps up to 70% of power after 5 years of storage].</ref>
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==== 5th generation ====
A fifth generation was introduced in 2022 (manufactured from at least April 2021). The minimum (guaranteed) capacity was increased from 1900 to 2000 mAh for AA (BK-3MCDx) and from 750 to 800 mAh for AAA (BK-4MCDx) models.<ref>[https://www.panasonic-eneloop.eu/sites/default/files/eneloop_product_catalogue_2022_ENG.pdf Eneloop 2022 product catalog for Europe]</ref> These batteries are supposed to hold up to 70% of their charge after 10 years of storage at 20°C.
=== Eneloop Lite ===
==== 1st generation ====
The '''Eneloop Lite''' line was released in Japan in June 2010. They addressed two disadvantages of alkaline and other NiMH batteries: the initial cost and the long charging time—both achieved by reducing the capacity of the battery. The batteries find suitable applications in low-drain devices such as remote control devices and alarms, where low capacity is not an issue. The AAs have 1,000 mAh of capacity, while the AAAs have 600 mAh. Due to reduction of the capacity compared to the regular Eneloop cells, the charging time is halved for the AA and reduced by 25% for the AAA. On the other hand, they can be recharged 3,000 times. The reduction in capacity also reduced the production cost, which decreased the initial investment for rechargeable batteries. They also weigh 30% less. The product numbers are HR-3UQ (AA) and HR-4UQ (AAA).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2010/03/08-1.pdf |title=Sanyo Adds "Eneloop Lite" to "Eneloop" Rechargeable Battery Family |publisher=Sanyo Electric Co.
==== 2nd generation ====
Along with the upgrade of the regular Eneloop cells in April 2013, the Lite version was also upgraded. According to Panasonic, it can now be recharged up to 3,000 times (life cycles for DOD 60%)<ref name="enelooplite">{{cite web|url=http://www.panasonic-eneloop.eu/fr/produits-eneloop/eneloop-batteries/eneloop-lite.html|title=Eneloop Lite|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207074517/http://www.panasonic-eneloop.eu/fr/produits-eneloop/eneloop-batteries/eneloop-lite.html|website=Panasonic-Eneloop.eu|publisher=[[Panasonic]]|archive-date=7 December 2014|access-date=20 July 2015}}</ref> (model numbers BK-3LCC for the AA and BK-4LCC for the AAA battery). The upgraded batteries also retain 90% of the charge after one year like the regular Eneloop cells. Packaging is marked prominently 'Best for DECT' certainly in European markets, suggesting that these batteries are suitable for 'nearly always on charge' applications such as home cordless phones.
===
[[File:Webysther 201502260631559705 - Sanyo Eneloop XX.jpg|thumb|upright|Sanyo Eneloop XX]]
The Eneloop Pro family have higher capacity in mAh, [[trade-off|trading this off]] against poorer charge retention and shorter lifespan.
==== 1st generation ====
The '''Eneloop Pro''' (or '''XX powered by Eneloop Technology''' in the US, Canada, and Europe) series was introduced in 2011.
==== 2nd generation ====
In January 2013, Sanyo announced the second generation of Eneloop XX (model HR-3UWXB, or Panasonic BK-3HCC), branded Eneloop Pro. The new generation has a 50 mAh higher capacity (2,550 mAh nominal, 2,450 mAh minimum capacity), and the self-discharge rate was improved, retaining 85% up to one year.<ref name="eneloop xx second generation">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130808002845/http://www.eneloop.info/contact/news-press-area/news-detailansicht/article/new-eneloop-xx-with-higher-capacity-and-improved-low-self-discharge.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=4&cHash=100ceec521dc82df352e1318b9fe971c New Eneloop XX with Higher Capacity and Improved Low Self-Discharge].</ref> They also introduced an AAA version of the Eneloop XX (model HR-4UWXB) with a nominal capacity of 950 mAh (900 mAh minimum).<ref name="HR-4UWXB">{{cite web|url=http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/web_data/Data-Sheets/HR-4UWXB_data_sheet.pdf |title=Sanyo's Eneloop Lite Datasheet |publisher=Sanyo Electric Co.
==== 3rd generation ====
[[File:Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA batteries BK-3HCDE.jpg|Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA 2500 mAh batteries, type "BK-3HCDE".|thumb|right]]
In October 2015, Panasonic remodeled Eneloop Pro (BK-3HCD/BK-4HCD). The minimum capacity of the battery increased, by 50 mAh to 2500 mAh for AA and by 30 mAh to 930 mAh for AAA.
=== Eneloop Plus ===
'''Eneloop Plus''' cells have a [[Positive temperature coefficient|PTC]] thermistor built-in that cuts the power in case of overheating. This makes them especially suitable for toys and devices that generate significant heat. Other specifications are identical to the second-generation Eneloop batteries. The product number is HR-3UPT (AA), and the battery was released in Japan in December 2011.<ref name="eneloop pro and plus" />
== Variant comparison tables ==
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| {{Unknown}}
|-
| Eneloop 1st generation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.energy.sanyo.com.sg/news/NewsRelease.pdf |title=Sanyo Presents 'Eneloop': A New Battery in place of Dry Cell Battery for the 21st Century |publisher=[[Sanyo]]
| HR-3UTG
| November 2005
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| Eneloop 5th generation
| BK-3MCD (BK-3MCDE)
| June 2022
| 2,000
| up to 2,100
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| 70%
|-
| Eneloop Lite 1st generation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/web_data/Data-Sheets/HR-3UQ_data_sheet.pdf |title=Sanyo's Eneloop Lite datasheet |publisher=[[Sanyo]]
| HR-3UQ
| June 2010
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| {{Unknown}}
|-
| Eneloop Pro 1st generation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2011/06/09-1.pdf |title=Sanyo's Eneloop Series Expands with New-Type Batteries |publisher=[[Sanyo]]
| HR-3UWX<br />HR-3UWXA
| July 2011<br />May 2012
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| {{Unknown}}
|-
| Eneloop Pro 2nd generation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://panasonic.net/energy/eneloop/jp/lineup/eneloop_pro/pdf/eneloop_pro201210.pdf |title=Eneloop Pro 2012 models |publisher=[[Sanyo]]
| HR-3UWXB
| October 2012
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| Eneloop 5th generation
| BK-4MCD (BK-4MCDE)
| June 2022
| 800
| up to 850
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| 70%
|-
| Eneloop Lite 1st generation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/web_data/Data-Sheets/HR-4UQ_data_sheet.pdf |title=Sanyo's Eneloop Lite datasheet |publisher=[[Sanyo]]
| HR-4UQ
| June 2010
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| BK-4LCC
| April 2013
|
| 600
| 3,000
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| {{Unknown}}
|-
| Eneloop Pro 2nd generation<ref name="HR-4UWXB" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://panasonic.net/energy/eneloop/jp/lineup/eneloop_pro/pdf/eneloop_pro201210.pdf |title=Eneloop Pro 2012 models |publisher=[[Sanyo]]
| HR-4UWXB
| October 2012
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{{Commons category|Eneloop}}
* {{official website|https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/battery/eneloop/lineup.html}}
{{Matsushita}}
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