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Eneloop (Japanese: エネループ, Hepburn: Enerūpu) is a brand of 1.2 Volt low self-discharge nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries and accessories developed by Sanyo (later acquired by Panasonic), and introduced in 2005.
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Eneloop cells lose their charge much slower than the 0.5% to 4% per day lost by older technology NiMH batteries, retaining about 85% of their charge for a year after charging. This allows them to be sold precharged and ready for use, unlike older types.
Because they can replace a large number of alkaline batteries over their life cycle, they are marketed as being eco-friendly.
Sanyo was acquired by Panasonic in 2009. As part of that deal, the Japanese Eneloop factories were sold off to Fujitsu, which since then produces 2nd-generation eneloops under its brand. Panasonic eneloops, starting with the 3rd generation, are made in China for some markets (including Australia). As of November 2015, Eneloop Pro remains made in Japan.
1st generation
The original Eneloop batteries were introduced in AA and AAA size, with capacities of 2,000 mAh and 800 mAh. They could be recharged 1,000 times, and held up to 75% of their charge after one year. The part number for this generation of Eneloop is HR-3UTG (AA) and HR-4UTG (AAA).
2nd generation
The second generation of Eneloop batteries endured 1,500 recharge cycles. That revision held 85% of the charge after one year and 75% after three years.
Sanyo introduced C- and D-sized Eneloop batteries with a minimum capacity of 2,700 mAh and 3,000 mAh respectively in 2009, along with a new universal charger. As these sizes were only available in Japan and Singapore, Sanyo offered adapter sleeves to fit AA batteries in devices that take C or D batteries.
3rd generation
In October 2011 the batteries were again improved to retain up to 90% of their capacity after one year, 80% after three years and 70% after five years. The batteries can be recharged up to 1,800 times, rather than the 1,500 times of the previous revision. The product numbers for these batteries are HR-3UTGB (AA) and HR-4UTGB (AAA). At the same time, the C- and D-sized Eneloop batteries' stated minimum capacities were increased to 3,000 mAh and 5,700 mAh respectively. They were available in Japan from November 2011.
European models went on sale from the beginning of October 2012.
4th generation
Following the acquisition of Sanyo by Panasonic, a fourth generation was introduced in April 2013. The number of charges per cell was increased from 1800 to 2100 cycles for both AA (BK-3MCC) and AAA (BK-4MCC) models. In some countries the batteries are branded as Panasonic.
1st generation
The Eneloop Lite line was released in Japan in June 2010. They addressed two downsides of alkaline and other NiMH batteries: the initial cost and the long charging time—both achieved by reducing the capacity of the battery. The batteries find suitable applications in low-drain devices such as remote control devices and alarms, where high capacity is not an issue. The AAs have 1,000 mAh of capacity, while the AAAs have 600 mAh. Due to reduction of the capacity compared to the regular Eneloop cells, the charging time is halved for the AA and reduced by 25% for the AAA. On the other hand, they can be recharged 3,000 times. The reduction in capacity also reduced the production cost, which decreased the initial investment for rechargeable batteries and they weigh 30% less. The product numbers are HR-3UQ (AA) and HR-4UQ (AAA).
2nd generation
Along with the upgrade of the regular Eneloop cells in April 2013, the Lite version was also upgraded. According to Panasonic, it can now be recharged up to 3,000 times (life cycles) (model numbers BK-3LCC for the AA and BK-4LCC for the AAA battery). The upgraded batteries also retain 90% of the charge after one year like the regular Eneloop cells.
1st generation
The Eneloop Pro (or XX powered by Eneloop Technology in the US, Canada, and Europe) series was introduced in 2011. At that time, no AAA version was produced. They have a higher capacity than regular Eneloop cells, 2,500 mAh (min. 2,400 mAh) for AA. However, they retain only 75% of their initial charge after one year, and can only be recharged 500 times. The product numbers are HR-3UWX (AA) and HR-3UWXA (AA).
2nd generation
In January 2013, Sanyo announced the second generation of Eneloop XX (model HR-3UWXB, or Panasonic BK-3HCC), along with a slight renaming. Eneloop Pro appears instead of the "Eneloop XX" brand in batteries. The new generation has a 50 mAh higher capacity (2,550 mAh nominal, 2,450 mAh minimum capacity), and the self discharge rate was decreased by 10% (i.e. holds 85% up to one year). They also introduced an AAA version of the Eneloop XX (model HR-4UWXB) boasting a nominal capacity of 950 mAh (900 mAh minimum). After the acquisition by Panasonic, they were renamed Eneloop Pro (model BK-4HCC) in Europe and the Americas.
Eneloop Plus
Eneloop Plus cells have a PTC thermistor built-in that cuts the power in case the batteries are overheating. This makes them especially suitable for toys and devices which generate an increased amount of heat. Other specifications are identical to the second-generation Eneloop batteries. The product number is HR-3UPT (AA) and the battery was released in Japan in December 2011.