Eneloop: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|Japanese rechargeable batteries brand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}

| introduced = {{start date and age|November 2005}}

{{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]]<ref name=rockwell>{{cite web | title=Sanyo Eneloop Batteries |first=Ken|last=Rockwell| date=6 March 2022 | url=https://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/sanyo/eneloop.htm |orig-date=Originally posted September 2010}}</ref><ref name=timeline/> and introduced in 2005. [[Panasonic]] acquired a majority stake in Sanyo in 2009, and Eneloop batteries were thereafter branded, but not manufactured, by Panasonic.<ref name=timeline>{{cite web | title=History of Eneloop| website=Eneloop101.com | date=19 July 2019<!--last modified date, from page source-->| url=https://eneloop101.com/batteries/eneloop-history/}}</ref>

Eneloop [[Electrochemical cell|cells]] lose their charge much more slowly than the 0.5–4% per day loss of previously available NiMH batteries, retaining about 85% of their charge for a year after charging;<ref name="ProductLineup">{{cite web|url=https://panasonic.net/energy/battery/eneloop/lineup/|title=Product Lineup|website=Panasonic.net|publisher=[[Panasonic]]|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329110936/http://panasonic.net/energy/battery/eneloop/lineup/|archive-date=29 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> This allows them to be sold precharged. Since then many other makes of NiMH batteries are supplied precharged, with long charge retention.<ref>{{cite web | title=Rechargeable AA Batteries | website=Duracell| url=https://www.duracell.co.uk/product/ultra-rechargeable-ultra-aa/ |quote=pre-charged ... will stay charged for up to 12 months|access-date=18 November 2022}}</ref>

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 NIMHNiMH 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.

Panasonic retained the "Eneloop" trademark, sourcing the batteries from FDK (formerly Sanyo) factories.<ref name='slrlounge'>{{cite web|url=https://www.slrlounge.com/panasonic-eneloop-vs-ikea-ladda-are-they-the-same/|title=Panasonic Eneloop vs IKEA LADDA – Are They The Same?|website=The SLR Lounge|quote=The original Eneloop Batteries were designed and developed by a [Sanyo-owned] battery factory. [In 2009] Panasonic bought the Eneloop brand, while Fujitsu, as part of its FDK subsidiary, owned the factory and all the IP associated with the manufacture of [low self-discharge] batteries}}</ref><ref name='eneloop101'>{{cite web|url=https://eneloop101.com/batteries/eneloop-history/|website=Eneloop 101|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113045743/https://eneloop101.com/batteries/eneloop-history/|archive-date=13 January 2020|quote=Sanyo Energy Twicell Co., Ltd. and Sanyo Energy Tottori Co., Ltd. shares were transferred from Sanyo Electric, and renamed [..] FDK Twicell Corporation and FDK Tottori Co. Ltd. Panasonic kept buying their eneloop batteries from this company.|title=History of Eneloop}}</ref>

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&nbsp;mAh and 5,700&nbsp;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]] |format=PDF |access-date=3 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203653/http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2011/10/06-1.pdf |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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&nbsp;mAh of capacity, while the AAAs have 600&nbsp;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. |format=PDF |access-date=3 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005003422/http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2010/03/08-1.pdf |archive-date=5 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{not in citation|date=December 2017}}

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.

The '''Eneloop Pro''' (or '''XX powered by Eneloop Technology''' in the US, Canada, and Europe) series was introduced in 2011. At that time, no AAA version was produced.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://eneloop101.com/batteries/complete-lineup/ | title=Overview: All Eneloop batteries 2005–2018}}</ref> They have a higher capacity than regular Eneloop cells, 2,500&nbsp;mAh (min. 2,400&nbsp;mAh) for AA. They retain 75% of their initial charge after one year, and can be recharged 500 times, significantly less thatthan the standard non-Pro Eneloop line. The product numbers are HR-3UWX (AA) and HR-3UWXA (AA).<ref name="eneloop pro and plus">{{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]] |format=PDF |access-date=3 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029221252/http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2011/06/09-1.pdf |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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&nbsp;mAh higher capacity (2,550&nbsp;mAh nominal, 2,450&nbsp;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&nbsp;mAh (900&nbsp;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. |format=PDF |access-date=23 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217043936/http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/web_data/Data-Sheets/HR-4UWXB_data_sheet.pdf |archive-date=17 February 2013 }}</ref> After the acquisition by Panasonic, they were renamed Eneloop Pro (model BK-4HCC) in Europe (BK-4HCCE) and the Americas (BK-4HCCA).<ref name="ProductLineup" />

'''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" /> It was later discontinued.<ref name=nopro/>

| 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]] |format=PDF |access-date=19 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617092134/http://www.energy.sanyo.com.sg/news/NewsRelease.pdf |archive-date=17 June 2009 }}</ref>

| 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]] |format=PDF |access-date=23 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009175450/http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/web_data/Data-Sheets/HR-3UQ_data_sheet.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2012 }}</ref>

| 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]] |format=PDF |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029221252/http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2011/06/09-1.pdf |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://eneloop.com.hk/annoucement/Annoucement%20HR-3UWXA-4H_C.pdf |title=Announcement HR-3UWXA |publisher=[[Sanyo]] |format=PDF |access-date=1 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119074419/http://eneloop.com.hk/annoucement/Annoucement%20HR-3UWXA-4H_C.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2012 }}</ref>

| 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]] |format=PDF |access-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412071707/http://panasonic.net/energy/eneloop/jp/lineup/eneloop_pro/pdf/eneloop_pro201210.pdf |archive-date=12 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| 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]] |format=PDF |access-date=23 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009090257/http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/web_data/Data-Sheets/HR-4UQ_data_sheet.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2012 }}</ref>

| 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]] |format=PDF |access-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412071707/http://panasonic.net/energy/eneloop/jp/lineup/eneloop_pro/pdf/eneloop_pro201210.pdf |archive-date=12 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>