Panasonic AA Eneloop

Panasonic AA Eneloop — Reliable, Ready‑to‑Use Rechargeables

Panasonic AA Eneloop are low self‑discharge NiMH batteries designed for everyday and high‑drain devices. They ship pre‑charged, hold their charge well in storage, and can be recharged up to 2100 times under ideal conditions—making them a practical, low‑waste alternative to disposable alkalines.

Key Specs

Size / Chemistry	AA (LR6) / NiMH
Nominal voltage	1.2 V
Typical capacity	2000 mAh (minimum 1900 mAh)
Recharge cycles	Up to 2100 (lab conditions; real‑world varies)
Operating temp (use)	-4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Self‑discharge	Can retain up to ~70% after 10 years of storage (at ~68°F/20°C, per Panasonic)
Weight	~27 g per cell

When to Choose Eneloop

• Use if you want dependable, rechargeable power for flashes, game controllers, toys, wireless peripherals, headlamps, and remotes.
• Use if you need long shelf readiness for emergency gear; low self‑discharge means devices work after months of sitting.
• Avoid if your device requires 1.5 V primaries only or warns against rechargeables (some older medical/industrial gear).
• Consider Eneloop Pro instead for maximum runtime in very high‑drain gear (e.g., speedlights) and frequent use; note lower cycle life (~500 cycles).

Real‑World Runtime Examples

Actual runtime depends on device draw, temperature, and age of the cells. These are ballpark estimates for healthy cells:

• Game controller (Xbox/PS): ~20–30 hours per charge.
• Camera speedlight: ~100–150 full‑power pops (faster recycle than alkaline); more at lower power levels.
• LED headlamp (~300 lm medium): ~6–8 hours; high modes draw more current and reduce runtime.
• Wireless mouse/keyboard: weeks to months, depending on usage and sleep behavior.

Charging and Care

• Use a smart NiMH charger with individual slot control and ΔV or microprocessor termination. Avoid old “dumb” timed chargers.
• Charge rate: 500 mA ≈ 4–6 hours; 1000 mA ≈ 2–3 hours for a near‑empty 2000 mAh cell (plus top‑off/trickle time).
• Temperature: Charge between 50–95°F (10–35°C). Do not charge below 32°F (0°C) or above 104°F (40°C).
• Storage: Cool, dry place. For long storage, leave ~40–80% charge and top up every 6–12 months.
• Use matched sets: Keep cells in labeled pairs/quads and don’t mix new with old or different brands/capacities.
• End‑of‑life: Recycle at approved battery drop‑offs; do not dispose in household trash.

Compatibility Notes

• Works in most AA devices. NiMH deliver a steady ~1.2 V under load; many devices show a lower “battery meter” reading—this is normal.
• If your device explicitly requires 1.5 V primary cells, use alkaline or lithium primary AAs instead.
• Safe for cold‑weather use down to -4°F; expect shorter runtime and slower charging in cold conditions.

Alternatives at a Glance

• Eneloop Pro (AA): ~2500 mAh for longer runtime; heavier and typically ~500 cycles. Best for pro flashes and high‑drain tools.
• Alkaline AA: Cheap upfront, good for very low‑drain/rarely used devices, but poor under high loads and not rechargeable.
• Lithium primary AA (e.g., L91): Excellent in extreme cold, very light, long shelf life; non‑rechargeable and higher cost per cell.

FAQ

How many cycles will I get in real life?

“Up to 2100” is under controlled conditions. With normal home use and smart charging, hundreds to over a thousand cycles is realistic; harsh heat, deep discharges, and fast charging can reduce cycle count.

Why do these read 1.2 V instead of 1.5 V?

NiMH chemistry is 1.2 V nominal. Under load they maintain voltage better than alkaline, so performance in many devices is equal or better despite the lower nominal voltage.

Do they suffer from memory effect?

NiMH cells have negligible memory effect. Partial charges are fine. Occasional full charge/discharge can help the charger recalibrate, but is not required regularly.

Can I leave them in the charger?

Use a smart charger with safe trickle or auto‑off. Avoid leaving cells in a hot charger or on continuous trickle for days; heat accelerates aging.

Are they pre‑charged with renewable energy?

They come factory pre‑charged and ready to use. Panasonic states the initial charge uses renewable energy at the factory.