Eneloop: Difference between revisions

[[File:Duraloop.jpg|thumb|300px|Comparison of white-top Duracell Precharged and Eneloop AA cells]]Sanyo's Eneloops are low self-discharge (LSD) NiMH [[rechargeable]] batteries first introduced in 2005 (Sanyo is now part of Panasonic). They have a nominal capacity of 2000 [[Terminology#mAh|mAh]] in the AA size and 800 mAh in AAA size. They seem to perform better than any other LSD cells ([http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=149804 Eneloop Self-Discharge Study] [http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=151183 Eneloop vs. Rayovac Hybrid] [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2955510&postcount=271 Eneloop vs. Imedion]). While most LSD cells retain 75-80% of their charge after a year, Eneloops can retain 85%. They are very consistent in their performance, retain their original capacity better after many cycles, and deal well with high drain applications (like a flashlight on "turbo"). Therefore if you ask on the forums what kind of battery to buy, you will be told to buy Eneloops. That said, the other brands also perform well, just not quite as well as Eneloops. If money is an issue, try other brands of LSD cells, which can sometimes be purchased for as little as $1 each on a good sale.

In 2009 second generation Eneloops began showing up promising 1,500 charging cycles vs. 1,000 cycles for the earlier versions. The packaging clearly indicates that the new batteries can be charged 1,500 times and the batteries themselves feature a crown graphic on the label. The product number ends with "A" (e.g. HR-3UTGA).

 

In 2011 Sanyo started production of third generation Eneloops promising 1,800 charging cycles. The standard third generation cells have metallic lettering and the product number ends with "B" (e.g. HR-3UTGB).

In 2009 Sanyo introduced limited edition '''Eneloop Tones''' which are standard 1,500 cycle Eneloops that come in an 8-pack of different colors. Green and blue Tones showed up in some charger combos in the US. In 2010 sparkling Tones were advertised to be released in November. <ref>[http://panasonic.net/sanyo/news/2010/10/25-1.html 5th Anniversary Limited Edition AA and AAA-size eneloop tones glitter] October 25, 2010</ref>. In November 2011, "eneloop tones chocolat" were announced in 8 earthtone or chocolate colors. There are two Disney special edition third generation Enellop packages introduced in January 2012.