SANYO Announces New 'eneloop' Rechargeable Batteries Pre-Charged and Ready for the Holiday Season

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO) proudly announces the release of new AA- and AAA-size "eneloop" rechargeable batteries with approximately 500 more charges than previous eneloop batteries. The batteries are charged and ready to use and will maintain approximately 75% of their charge up to three years, a first in the industry. The new eneloop 1500-cycle batteries are available immediately at Costco Stores nationwide. The combo-pack containing the 4-position charger, eight (8) AA batteries and four (4) AAA batteries sells for $25.99 at Costco.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101116/LA02247)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101116/LA02247)

The eneloop batteries in the Costco combo-pack come in two shades of blue and two shades of green. The colors provide added convenience making it easy for consumers to "pair" the batteries in devices and in the charger.

"The Holidays are right around the corner and this is a great addition to power any gift that requires AA or AAA batteries," said Tom Van Voy, VP and General Manager of SANYO Digital Solutions Division. "eneloop batteries are pre-charged which means they can be used right out of the package with new toys, gadgets, and other devices. The new eneloop batteries last even longer than before and can be recharged up to 1500 times which can save consumers hundreds of dollars on batteries over their lifetime."

eneloop batteries were first announced about five years ago. During that time eneloop has become well known around the world, for its eco-friendly and economical properties. These batteries are pre-charged at the factory using solar energy, which begins the energy "looping" (eneloop) process.

Main Features

• Industry No. 1*(1) Rechargeable battery, rechargeable approximately 1,500 Times*(2),  realized by upgrades of material, manufacturing method, and structure
• Charged eneloop will still be ready to use even after 3 years*(4), thanks to SANYO's industry-leading self-discharge control technology
• Solar energy used for factory pre-charging*(3), Realizing a Clean Energy Loop
• 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 worrying about memory effect.

For more information about eneloop batteries please visit http://us.sanyo.com:80/eneloop.

About SANYO

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a global company providing solutions for environment, energy and lifestyle applications. SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., is based in San Diego, and its products include solar, rechargeable batteries, digital solutions (such as digital cameras, projectors, home appliances), biomedical laboratory equipment, HVAC and refrigeration equipment, and Smart Energy Systems.

For more information on SANYO, please visit http://us.SANYO.com .

*(1) As of October 6, 2009, for commercially available nickel-metal hydride batteries

*(2) General estimate based on the JIS C8708 2007 (7.4.1.1) testing conditions (The number of times a battery can be recharged changes according to the use conditions and equipment used.)

*(3) Through the Green Power Certification System, the amount of energy equivalent to that used for factory pre-charging is covered by energy generated from solar energy..

*(4) A fully-charged battery will be capable of discharging 75% of its initial capacity after 3 years of storage at room temperature.

(AA: 740mA discharge current, 1.0V/cell discharge cut voltage)

SOURCE SANYO North America Corp.