What You Should Know Before You Buy Eneloop Batteries

If you’re searching for environment-friendly, rechargeable batteries, you don’t need to look far. Eneloop batteries are an ecological option for those who need a reliable power source while thinking about the future of the planet.

In this post, we’ll help you get to know this high-capacity battery better and what makes it so special.

Sustainability

Shopping for rechargeable batteries already means that you’re living a sustainable lifestyle. Even more so, if you choose to use Eneloop rechargeable batteries as they’ve been developed on the basis of the sustainability principle.

The Eneloop rechargeable battery is pre-charged with solar energy, making it ready for use anytime. And although buying one will cost you a bit more at the outset, you only have to recharge the battery a few times to earn that back. It’s another good reason why buy Eneloop batteries in bulk.

Environment-Friendly

Eneloop rechargeable batteries offer renewable energy that helps reduce waste. You can load them up to 2,100 times, making them good for the environment. These rechargeable batteries also contain technology that lets you store them for up to ten years and retain about 70% of their charge.

Large Capacity

Devices that turn off when the battery is going empty can be quite frustrating. For various applications, Eneloop rechargeable batteries are the ideal solution due to their stable voltage. As opposed to the alkaline batteries (1.5V), Eneloop starts with a lower voltage (1.2V) but have more stability.

FAQs

1. How to spot counterfeit Eneloop batteries?

When you buy Eneloop AA, Eneloop AAA, or Eneloop pro batteries, make sure to watch out for counterfeits. Often, you can easily identify a counterfeit product through its appearance, especially if it’s sold cheaper.

Below are some hints to spot counterfeit Eneloop rechargeable batteries:

• Spelling mistakes on the battery’s label
• Wrong capacity – standard Eneloops has the typical capacity of 2000mAh: Eneloop AA (1900mAh min) and Eneloop AAA (750mAh min)
• No date code embossed on the side of the battery

2. Can I use Eneloop batteries anywhere in the world?

Yes, especially if you use a Panasonic Eneloop charger that has an “Auto Voltage” function. It can handle any voltage between 100 to 240 V. Most likely, you’ll be needing a plug adapter for your charger when you use it in other countries.

3. Is it okay to use another brand’s charger?

As much as possible, follow the recommended charger for your Eneloop batteries. For instance, Panasonic Eneloop chargers are designed to fit Panasonic-brand batteries to ensure the best performance.

If you’re using a Panasonic Eneloop pro battery, Panasonic won’t take responsibility for its malfunction if you’re charging it using another brand.

4. When should I charge Eneloop batteries?

Generally, there’s no big difference between whether you charge your Eneloop AA or Eneloop AAA before or after usage. However, if you’re using your rechargeable batteries infrequently, like once a month, you may forget that they’ve already been charged. Most importantly, don’t overcharge them and only charge when about 70 to 75 per cent of the capacity has been consumed.

Most rechargeable batteries get damaged by over-discharging, which impacts the service life of the batteries and cause leakage.

5. Is heat up normal during the charging process？

Heat during charging is normal. However, take note that the heat generation of your charger depends on different factors, such as:

• The type of charger: quick charging vs. normal charging
• The initial and remaining capacity of a rechargeable battery
• Whether or not your charger has a protection cover
• The batter’s degree of degeneration

The normal surface temperature of Eneloop batteries can reach up to 55 degrees Celsius and feel hot to touch while being charged. Most high-quality Eneloop chargers have functions that control the temperature or stop charging when a risk is detected.

6. How to store Eneloop batteries?

To maximise the shelf life of your Eneloop pro or Eneloop AA batteries, store them at room temperature within the range of 10°C to 25°C. Anything higher may cause batteries to self-discharge quicker.

Keep them dry as much as possible. Moisture could lead to condensation and cause the batteries to short circuit and get permanent damage. Store them in their original packaging, as they’re designed to maximise shelf life.

7. How to know if the Eneloop battery is near the end of its life?

If you witness any of these signs below, this could indicate that you need to replace your Eneloop battery:

• The batteries are used extensively over the years, and their operating time has started to deplete after charging. If the usual working time is cut in half, it’s time to replace.
• If the charging of the battery takes increasingly longer compared to other batteries of the same type, then it’s time to buy a new one.

8. How to dispose or recycle Eneloop batteries?

Many countries prohibit throwing used batteries in the trash. As soon as you can no longer use an Eneloop battery, you should recycle them. In the EU, all stores that sell more than 35kg batteries yearly are obliged to have a recycling point. To get more information on how battery recycling is done in Australia, check out the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI). It’s a non-profit association promoting responsible environmental management of batteries.