Eneloop Batteries & Charger Combos (Pro AA/AAA + BQ-CC55 or BQ-CC17)

Why choose this combo

• High capacity: AA 2550 mAh (typ.), AAA 950 mAh (typ.) for longer runtime in high-drain gear.
• Low self-discharge: typically retains about 85% charge after 1 year of storage.
• Recharge longevity: up to 500 cycles when used and charged properly.
• Ready to use: pre-charged at the factory (renew with a full charge for best results).
• Wide temperature use: about -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to +50°C).

Best for

• Camera flashes and photo gear needing fast, consistent power.
• Gaming controllers and R/C transmitters where longer sessions matter.
• High-output LED flashlights and headlamps that benefit from stable voltage.
• Cordless phones and work tools that cycle batteries daily.

What’s in typical combos

• AA Eneloop Pro (2550 mAh) and/or AAA Eneloop Pro (950 mAh) cells.
• Charger: BQ-CC55 (Smart & Quick) or BQ-CC17 (Advanced Individual).
• Both chargers support 1–4 AA or AAA NiMH cells with individual-slot management.

Choosing a charger: BQ-CC55 vs BQ-CC17

Feature	BQ-CC55 Smart & Quick	BQ-CC17 Advanced Individual
Best for	Fast top-ups and frequent use	Gentle overnight charging and maximum cell life
Typical time (2x AA Pro)	About 1.5 hours	About 9 hours (4x AA Pro ~9 hrs; 2 cells proportionally faster)
Typical time (2x AAA Pro)	About 2.25 hours	About 7 hours (4x AAA Pro ~7 hrs)
Per-slot control	Yes	Yes
Indicators	Multi-color LEDs with progress/health cues	Simple LEDs per slot
Input voltage	100–240V (travel-friendly)	100–240V (travel-friendly)

Charge times vary with remaining capacity, temperature, and cell condition.

Performance and runtime expectations

• Compared with standard Eneloop (AA 2000 mAh; AAA 800 mAh), Eneloop Pro typically delivers roughly 20–30% more runtime at the cost of fewer total cycles (500 vs up to 2100 for standard).
• High-drain devices benefit most from Pro capacity; low-drain devices see less runtime difference.
• If a device reports battery percentage assuming 1.5V alkaline cells, it may show lower readings with 1.2V NiMH even when plenty of capacity remains—this is normal.

Setup and charging best practices

1. Before first use: top up to full; pre-charge level varies from the factory.
2. Charge only NiMH cells in these chargers; never charge alkaline, lithium primary, or Li-ion cells.
3. Mixing: avoid mixing old/new, different capacities, or different brands in the same device.
4. Storage: store around 50–70% charge in a cool, dry place (about 68°F/20°C). Recharge every 6–12 months if stored.
5. Temperature: let batteries return to room temperature before charging if used in very hot or cold conditions.

When to choose Eneloop Pro vs standard Eneloop

• Choose Eneloop Pro if you prioritize longer runtime in high-drain gear (flashes, controllers, powerful lights) and are comfortable with up to 500 cycles.
• Choose standard Eneloop if you prioritize maximum cycle life (up to 2100 cycles) for remotes, clocks, sensors, and other low-drain devices.

Compatibility and safety notes

• Voltage: Eneloop Pro is 1.2V nominal. Most AA/AAA devices are compatible; a few products designed strictly for 1.5V alkalines may show early “low battery.”
• Device fit: Use AA or AAA only where specified. Do not substitute in devices requiring Li-ion cells (e.g., 18650).
• Cordless phones: Many DECT phones work well with AAA NiMH; confirm your model’s requirements.
• Safety: Insert cells correctly (+/–), and stop using any cell that becomes excessively hot, leaks, or shows damage.

Light maintenance schedule

• Weekly–monthly heavy use: rotate two sets; quick charge with BQ-CC55, balance with a full slow charge monthly on BQ-CC17 if available.
• Occasional use/emergency kits: top up every 6 months; store partially charged and test before trips.

FAQ

Do Eneloop Pro batteries have memory effect?

NiMH cells like Eneloop Pro exhibit negligible memory effect. Partial charges are fine. An occasional full charge/discharge can help calibrate some devices’ battery meters.

Can I charge different sizes or states of charge together?

Yes—both chargers manage each slot independently, so you can mix AA and AAA in any combination. For best performance inside a device, use matched cells of the same age and capacity.

How long will they last?

Up to 500 charge cycles when used and charged properly. Capacity will gradually decline over time due to normal wear.

Are they really pre-charged with solar energy?

Panasonic states Eneloop cells are factory pre-charged using renewable energy. You can use them out of the box, but topping up before first use is recommended.

What if my device needs 1.5V?

Most devices designed for AA/AAA accept 1.2V NiMH. If yours strictly requires 1.5V alkalines, it may not accurately report charge with NiMH or may reduce features earlier.