, you will most likely see some savings using rechargeables, and do your little part in saving Mother Earth along the way. There are also lithium based disposable dry cells, like Energizer Lithium AA Batteries, 10 Count
. While they provide more 'run time' when compared to standard alkalines, they also do cost a lot more so might not be viable for frequent everyday use.There are a few types of rechargeables but I'll only focus on NiMH batteries, specifically, the 'Low Self-Discharge' type (LSD). First thing first, let's talk about the downside of NiMH rechargeables, just so you know what to expect. The single biggest problem with NiMH is that their nominal terminal voltage is only 1.2v, compared with 1.5v on alkalines. This means NiMH may not be able to power some devices. I have personally come across some of these. The second issue is that these rechargeables lose charge over time, and it can be significant. Alkalines also lose charge over time, but it's so slow, it's negligible. Normal NiMH can lose up to 20% or more of their charge over the course of a few days.
There is no solution to the first problem. The nominal voltage of 1.2v is determined by the chemistry of the cell. So long as it's NiMH, it's 1.2v. This problem is mitigated slightly by the fact that NiMH has a relatively flat discharge curve. Flat meaning the cells are able to sustain 1.2v from full capacity to almost empty. This is something alkalines cannnot do. In fact, towards the end of the discharge curve, the terminal voltage of alkalines can read just about 1v. I have found this website with some nice tests on AA cells.
The newer LSD type NiMH addresses the second issue. These new cells have much lower self discharge rates. I recommend eneloop 2000 mAh typical, 1900 mAh minimum,8 pack AA, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
. I have used these since Sanyo introduced them in 2005. The current batch is into their 3rd generation, capable of recharging 1500x. If you need the AAA version, this is the one : eneloop NEW 800 mAh Typical, 750 mAh Minimum, 1800 cycle, 8 pack AAA, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
. Note that Panasonic has since acquired Sanyo Eneloop. You may see the newer Panasonic branded Eneloops instead.Amazon OEM these LSDs as well and offers them in both AA (AmazonBasics AA NiMH Precharged Rechargeable Batteries (16 Pack, 2000 mAh)
) and AAA (AmazonBasics AAA NiMH Precharged Rechargeable Batteries (12 Pack, 800 mAh)
).Besides the batteries, we'll of course need a capable charger to charge them. There are many chargers out there with varying amount of intelligence built-in. NiMHs are relatively difficult to charge fully so I suggest getting one that is more full-featured. Personally, I'll go with La Crosse Technology Alpha Power Battery Charger, BC1000
and its little brother La Crosse Technology BC-700 Alpha Power Battery Charger
or the Maha MH-C401FS-DCW INTERNATIONAL Version Smart Charger with Car Adapter
. For readers from Singapore or India, only the La Crosse ships internationally, the Maha does not. I used these chargers personally for a long time and they proved to be reliable and good investment.Sanyo also offers the Eneloops in what is known as 'Power Packs', like Sanyo SEC-N16SETEVP eneloop Super Power Pack, 2000mAh Typical, 1900mAh Minimum, 1500 cycle, 12AA, 4AAA, 2 C and 2 D Spacers, 4 Position Charger, and Storage Case
. These come with a charger, some batteries, C and D spacers and a nice carrying case. The bundled charger is decent but obviously not the best. C and D spacers are basically plastic canisters shaped exactly like your C and D sized batteries. You pop the Eneloops into them to use them in appliances that take in either C or D sized batteries.Lastly, if you have a huge fleet of batteries, consider organizing them with eneloop 166704298/6S Genuine AA/AAA Battery Storage Cases, 6 Pack
.
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