06. Oct, 2009

SANYO Announces New “eneloop” Rechargeable Batteries
Industry No. 1^*1 Rechargeable Batteries – Recharge up to “Approx.1,500 times^*2”,
Factory Pre-charged using Solar Power through the Green Power Certification System^*3!

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Tokyo, October 6, 2009 – SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) proudly announces the release of new, upgraded AA- and AAA-size “eneloop” rechargeable batteries five years from the initial product launch, with the concept of “eneloop” still based on promoting “a lifestyle that values reusing and recycling”. The new “eneloop” is able to be recharged approximately 1,500 times^*2, a new milestone for the rechargeable battery industry, making eneloop the industry No. 1 ^*1.
Since the batteries were first announced on November 14, 2005, “eneloop” has become well-known around the world, as it has revolutionized the consumer-use rechargeable battery segment with its unique features: “Rechargeable approximately 1,000 times^*2”, “Coming pre-charged so it’s usable immediately after purchase”, and its unique design departing from the look of traditional batteries.
　The latest breakthrough allowing “eneloop” to be recharged up to 1,500 times^*2 has been realized by applying newly-developed recharging technologies. In addition, to truly embody the concept of a “Clean Energy Loop”, the batteries are pre-charged at the factory using clean energy generated from renewable solar power as a part of the Green Power Certification System. As the new “eneloop” batteries hit the market, updated “eneloop” branded chargers and charger sets will also be entering the market.
　SANYO will continue to expand the “eneloop” series throughout the world so that people can comfortably adopt a new "lifestyle that values reusing and recycling" contrary to the popular "use and throw away" lifestyle often associated with common products like batteries.

*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 power.

*4

No manufacturer’s suggested retail price is set for a product with an open price.

*5

The products will be available in Japan only (as of November 14, 2009)

Main Features

1. Industry No. 1^*1 Rechargeable battery, rechargeable “approximately 1,500 Times^*2”, realized by upgrades to “Material,” “Manufacturing Method,” and “Structure” 　

　Incorporating new technologies for “material,” “manufacturing method,” and “structure” developed through the knowledge gained since the first release of “eneloop” in November 2005,  the number of times a battery can be recharged has been increased by 1.5 times to “approximately 1,500 times^*2 compared to the conventional models^*6 , which makes the total number of times it is able to be recharged the industry No. 1^*1. With the ability to recharge the battery more times, the new “eneloop” is both more economically competitive, reducing the cost of usage per charge from the conventional model’s approximately 4 yen to 2.5 yen^*7 and enhanced in environmental awareness as it means the amount of overall battery waste will be reduced.

Introduction of new technologies
(1) Advanced materials: Development of a “highly-durable super-lattice alloy”
　 The durability of SANYO’s original “super-lattice alloy,” a negative-electrode material used in “eneloop”, has been enhanced by homogenizing the crystalline structure (a reduction of crystals with an irregular atomic order is irregular) as well as improving its composition (the ratio of constituent element) to reduce the deterioration of the super-lattice alloy by repeated charge and discharge.

(2)Advanced manufacturing method: Developed technology to protect the surface of the super-lattice alloy
　A new additive to the negative electrode material, “super-lattice alloy”, and a new additive coating technology was developed. By protecting the alloy surface, deterioration of the “super-lattice alloy” by repeated use can be reduced.

(3) Advanced structure: Use of strong/thin outer case
　The new “eneloop” adopts the same strong/thin outer case used for SANYO’s industry-leading level^*1 high-capacity AA-size rechargeable batteries, the “Ni-MH2700 Series.” This improves the internal cell space efficiency and optimizes the balance of battery components, leading to an increase in the number of times a battery can be recharged.

2. Charged “eneloop” will still be “ready to use even after 3 years^*8”, thanks to SANYO’s industry-leading self-discharge control technology

　Rechargeable batteries typically have a “self-discharge” characteristic which gradually reduces charged energy over time. This is considered the downside of typical rechargeable batteries, as it renders them inconvenient since they are unusable immediately after purchase, requiring the batteries to be charged to start using them and recharged if they have been left on the shelf for a period of time. Since “eneloop” batteries have a low self-discharge rate, they can be pre-charged and usable immediately after purchase, like dry cell batteries. This new “eneloop” battery continues this tradition, and a fully-charged “eneloop” will be “ready for use off the shelf even after 3 years^*8” of storage. By using SANYO’s original “super-lattice alloy” for negative electrode material and improvement of materials and structure, a fully-charged “new eneloop” battery can maintain “approximately 75%^*9 of charged power even after 3 years”, ensuring that power is available when needed.

3. Solar energy used for factory pre-charging^*3, Realizing a “Clean Energy Loop”

　In accordance with the Green Power Certification System, the new “eneloop” batteries will be charged by “green power” from photovoltaic generation. This means that a part of the electric power used for manufacturing (the amount equivalent used for factory pre-charging) is generated using clean, renewable solar energy, part of SANYO’s initiative to realize a “Clean Energy Loop”, where power is generated from renewable energy sources, stored for use when needed in batteries, and conserved or used efficiently for power-driven applications. Hence, the new “eneloop” truly embodies the concepts “energy” and “looping”, from production to performance.

Green Power corresponds to electric power generated by using natural, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and water power. This green power is evaluated, in terms of environmental added value, and made tradable by a third-party organization with issuance of a “Certificate of Green Power.” Companies and local governments that have obtained this certificate can use the natural energy equivalent to the amount of green power specified in the certificate.

<Concept of a Clean Energy Loop>

Other Features

- Outer covering label used to prevent damage from repeated mounting/dismounting
-“Antibacterial finishing^*10” ideal for business places, schools, and hospitals where one battery is handled by multiple people.
- Battery packages are made of recycled PET only and do not need to be separated when disposed. Instead of being recycled, they can be used as a battery storage case.
- 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 ever worrying about memory effect.

Outline and Background

　“eneloop” originated from the concept of "looping energy." Since the first release of “AA-size eneloop ” in November 2005 as a product embodying the brand vision “Think GAIA,” SANYO has been promoting a new "lifestyle that values reusing and recycling" contrary to the popular "use and throw away" lifestyle by launching a steady stream of reusable products in this series to the market.
　The “eneloop” battery has received high market appraisal for its unique, user-friendly combination of the advantages of both dry cell and rechargeable batteries. The batteries come pre-charged like a dry cell, and are economical and environmental as they are able to be recharged for repeated use as well as fully recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. According to a company survey, the satisfaction level of “eneloop” users is over 90%^*11, and numerous companies now bundle “eneloop” batteries with their products. In total, over 90 million “eneloop” battery cells have been shipped to more than 60 countries worldwide (as of July 31, 2009).
　To mark the 5th year since its launch, on November 14, 2009 in Japan^*5, SANYO will release the “new eneloop” in AA- and AAA-sizes with enhanced features, in terms of performance, concept, environmental friendliness, economic efficiency, and user-friendliness.

Specifications

New Lineup of eneloop Chargers

*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 power.

*4

No manufacturer’s suggested retail price is set for a product with an open price.

*5

The products will be available in Japan only (as of November 14, 2009)

*6

SANYO’s size AA eneloop battery (HR-3UTG) and size AAA eneloop battery (HR-4UTG)

*7

Assuming that electricity expense per charge is 0.2 yen, the conventional “eneloop” model (HR-3UTG) and the new “eneloop” model (HR-3UTGA) are compared, in terms of cost of usage per charge.[(Price of Rechargeable Battery + Price of Charger + Electricity Expense) / 1,500 Cycles (For the new eneloop model. 1,000 cycles for the conventional eneloop model)] The charger to be used is SANYO’s NC-TGN01.

*8

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)

*9

SANYO’s evaluation by leaving fully-charged batteries at room temperature (20 C) (740mA discharge current, 1.0V/cell discharge cut voltage)

*10

Type of antibacterial agent: Inorganic antibacterial agent, Processing method: Printing, Processing site: Outer covering,Testing institute: Japan Spinners Inspecting Foundation, SIAA registration number: JP0122085A0002V, Test method: JIS Z 2801

*11

Based on SANYO’s Internet survey conducted in April 2009, covering 300 eneloop purchasers

*12

Minimum (min.) battery capacity based on the JIS C8708 2007(7.2.1) testing conditions

Press Contact (English Only)

Global Communications Department
Corporate Communications Headquarters
Tel: +81-3-6364-3611
Fax: +81-3-3837-6271
E-mail: i_press@sanyo.com