Sanyo’s Eneloop batteries differ from ordinary NiMH rechargeable batteries by featuring a very slow self-discharge rate. In fact, Eneloops are shipped fully charged and ready to go. I’ve already switched over to using Eneloops over other rechargeable battery brands, and even use them in place of alkalines in many applications.
Eneloops and other slow self-discharge batteries are said to combine the benefits of both Alkaline and rechargeable batteries by offering high performance and a stable shelf life in a rechargeable package. They also seem to perform better than either technologies at lower temperatures.
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Eneloops cost about $2.50 each, which is about the same as other rechargeables go for. The capacity is 2000 mAh.
A few weeks ago we talked a bit about Fenix’s LD20 LED flashlight. This flashlight requires AA batteries, but I’ve found that alkaline, even high performance ones, aren’t up to the task. Sanyo Eneloops, on the other hand, power the flashlight with ease and consistently. With alkalines, the flashlight’s output would pulse at peak intensity when first turned on, and then drop down a bit. With Eneloops, the output was consistent at maximum output (unless of course when dialed down).
Sanyo Eneloop Ready to Use Rechargeable Batteries via Amazon
Product Info via Eneloop
Benjamen Johnson says
I really like the slow discharge rate NiMH batteries. I bought a kit from Costco with a bunch of AA and AAA batteries, a charger, and a few C and D cell converters and haven’t looked back since. Then I discovered that Rayovac made a similar type of slow discharge NiMH (their Hybrid line) and sold them at places like Target for a little cheaper. But as of late it is really hard to find either brand of battery anywhere locally, and if I do they are clearancing them.
I don’t know why these type of batteries haven’t gained in popularity. Maybe the companies are doing a bad job marketing or people remembering their experiences with other rechargeables and think these are just more of the same — namely that you go to pick up a device with old NiMH or NiCad batteries in it after sitting for a couple of months and it’s dead.
teicher says
Big fan of eneloops myself, I use them everywhere I can. As you mentioned, they work great for LED flashlights.
Stuart says
I cannot say for sure why it’s hard to find these types of batteries in-store, but it could be because of exclusivity contracts, or decisions made by ill-informed purchasing departments compounded by insufficient marketing on behalf of the battery manufacturers.
In-the-know consumers know where to buy these batteries and sets via Costco and online retailers. I’m sure that one of the major issues is that many consumers have never heard of Sanyo or their Eneloop brand. Upon comparing two packages in-store, they might not recognize the benefits Eneloop provide, or they might get hung up on the power rating. Eneloops offer 2000 mAh of charge while traditional batteries can have quite a bit more capacity.
I think that eventually they will gain in popularity, but not before some major advertising is done to complement word-of-mouth endorsements.
Chuck says
The problem with Lithium batteries is that their power just unexpectedly gives out when it is time which is the reason I don’t want them in my smoke detectors.