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New Batteries Last Twice as Long

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

July 28, 2005, 11:42 AM

Panasonic plans to bring to the market a battery that it says is the most significant advancement in the technology behind batteries since alkaline was introduced in 1965. Called Oxyride, the company claims that the batteries will last up to twice as long as traditional alkalines.

The battery has already had a successful launch in Japan, and Panasonic plans to have it available in all major markets shortly. Initially, the batteries will be made in the AA and AAA sizes.

"Digital electronic devices have generated a strong demand for small, lightweight and high-performance batteries," explained Brian Kimberlin, Director of Marketing for the Panasonic Battery Group. "In response, Panasonic developed the next generation battery to keep pace with the needs these portable, high-drain electronics."

Behind the technology are newly developed materials inside the battery, along with an improved manufacturing process. These materials allow the battery to maintain voltage at a higher and more stable level, which is ideal to power modern electronics.

The battery also averaged a lifespan of 1.5 times that of alkaline.

"Oxyride is the first real change in consumer batteries since the alkaline," adds Kimberlin. "Imagine the incredible changes in portable products over the past 40 years -- now the batteries have finally caught up."

Both batteries will sell for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3.99 USD for a 4-pack.

Add a Comment (17 Comments)

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By Cornholio0

posted Sep 14, 2005 - 6:39 PM

They are so awesome. Like dude, seriously. AWESOME.

Score: 0

By Cornholio0

edited Sep 14, 2005 - 6:33 PM

Batteries are cool.

Score: 0

By eldergnomie

posted Jul 30, 2005 - 9:21 PM

If the voltage curve even approaches that of lithium, Panasonic's gonna make a bundle!

Score: 0

By seier

posted Jul 29, 2005 - 12:00 AM

This is from a FAQ at Batteries.com:
Battery Questions
Q: What’s the deal with each type of rechargeable battery?

Nickel Cadmium is the most popular type of rechargeable battery, although it tends to suffer from “memory effect” (see below). It has a high rate of energy discharge, meaning that it is low maintenance with high performance. Nickel Cadmium can deliver even power until nearly all of the battery has been used.

Nickel Metal Hydride is the most advanced commercial rechargeable battery. Nickel Metal Hydride batteries last 40% longer than Nickel Cadmium batteries. This battery is generally much more environmentally friendly than Nickel Cadmium, as well.

Lithium Ion batteries do not suffer from the “memory effect” at all (see below). These batteries have twice the energy of Nickel Metal Hydride, although they weigh 33% less. This is especially nice for portable items, such as laptops and camcorders.

Score: 0

By seier

posted Jul 28, 2005 - 11:55 PM

What a ruse. Nobody gives a hoot about non-recarhables anymore. NiMH and Li-Poly are the only two types of batteries worth a damn, because they're rechargeable and more over repeatedly rechargeable without issues. Also NiMH lasts about 1.5 times an alkaline too so I don't get where they get off claiming they've done anything unusual or even significant for that matter.
Cheers,
Christian Blackburn

Score: 0

By eldergnomie

edited Jul 30, 2005 - 9:26 PM

There are millions of non-techies like my wife who eat up non-rechargeables like they were candy. There will be a huge market.

Another thing: all rechargeables lose charge in storage. As a professional photographer whose cameras all use AA's I carry a bunch of rechargeables, battery tester, charger(s) etc., but I still have several sets of non-rechargeables for those times when I either forget or can't recharge. During a hike on the Appalachian Trail last year, I carried nothing but Eveready Lithiums. They are expensive, but they will ALWAYS be there when you need them.

Score: 0

By Banquo

posted Jul 29, 2005 - 1:27 AM

"What a ruse. Nobody gives a hoot about non-recarhables anymore."

That must be why stores still sell them by the ton every day. Oh wait, I guess that means people DO give a hoot about them still. Nevermind.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Jul 29, 2005 - 12:35 PM

LOL!

Score: 0

By utomo

posted Jul 28, 2005 - 11:11 PM

Alkaline or Oxyride not really suitable for Digital camera and other electronics device which power hungry.

The solutions is to make Rechargeable battery with more power (more than 2500mah) and make the charging faster.

about the 2 minutes charging battery it already very good but the release date 2006 is too long.
I hope to see the 3000mah battery with fast charger (maybe 2-5 minutes) with good price. and I think it will be success.

Score: 0

By eldergnomie

edited Jul 30, 2005 - 9:39 PM

Current technology (pun intended) puts the maximum capacity of an AA rechargeable at about 23-2500. It'd a matter of volume. When you come up with a way to increase that, call me. We'll get rich.

As to that fast charger, one word: HEAT! Good luck with that bit of chemistry, as well.

Wondering how you know Oxyride isn't suitable for digital cameras. Have you had an opportunity to test, or have you seen performance graphs?

Here's some more info: http://tinyurl.com/7dpab

Score: 0

By wonko

posted Jul 28, 2005 - 10:51 PM

1.5 != 2

Score: 0

By Volt

edited Jul 29, 2005 - 3:06 PM

"Average" != "up to"

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Jul 28, 2005 - 3:12 PM

I won't believe it till I see it,

Score: 0

By Rabbani

edited Jul 28, 2005 - 3:06 PM

When it will be available in US? and is there a timeline?

Score: 0

By THZGryphon

posted Jul 28, 2005 - 6:04 PM

http://tinyurl.com/d8c4t

Score: 0

By irdepesca572

posted Jul 28, 2005 - 9:16 PM

Wow, thanks!

Score: 0

By irdepesca572

edited Jul 28, 2005 - 2:24 PM

Sweet! Nice price also! But I am wondering about rechargable ones...?

Score: 0

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