PowerGenix Rechargeable Batteries Give 1.6V Output
Every few years advances are made in rechargeable battery technology; relatively recently, we saw low self-discharge types appearing on the market. But the drawback during the last 30 years has always been that the underlying technology generated a 1.2V output voltage instead of the 1.5V that you get from alkaline batteries. Some devices simply don’t like that and give false or premature “low battery” readings. Now, finally, PowerGenix has succeeded in creating a rechargeable battery that gives 1.6V, which is even a bit more than regular batteries. Now you can be “green” and compatible.
Why It’s Clever
In most devices and toys, the 1.2 NiCd or NiMH rechargeable batteries work just fine, sometimes even better than alkaline, since they can output more current, notwithstanding the lower voltage. But all too soon you may see the “battery low” indicator light up when the device detects an output voltage lower than what could be expected from alkaline cells in good shape – something that I hate about my point-and-shoot camera, by the way.
But now, at last, you can have your cake and eat it too. These PowerGenix cells give you both a high current and a high output voltage and the option to recharge them when depleted. Even better, initial tests also show that they don’t suffer from decreasing capacity after several charging cycles, another flaw of traditional rechargeables. And the best thing is that, though not cheap, they’re certainly affordable.
All these properties make them an ideal companion for power-hungry devices such as motorized toys, games, digital cameras and flashes. A small drawback is that you will need a special charger for them, given the higher voltage that’s needed. The manufacturer’s website doesn’t mention if their charger can also charge legacy NiMH batteries, so I suppose that it’s a no.
This overview graph from PowerGenix puts it all into perspective (click to enlarge):
Summary
- 1.6V NiZn rechargeable batteries instead of 1.2V NiMH
- Perfect replacement for alkaline
- High output current, great for power-hungry devices
- 1,500 mAh
- AA model available, AAA planned in early 2010
- Require special 1 hour quick charger
- Recyclable.
Tips
If you leave your batteries in your devices for a long time without using them, you might still be better off with low self-discharge batteries such as the Eneloop types. The cells from PowerGenix don’t seem to have the self-discharge issue solved (yet), so when you leave your camera in the drawer for a few months, there might be nothing left.
Our stance on rechargeable battery technologies is summarized in our rechargeable batteries overview table.
Where to buy
You can buy them from the Amazon.com website, where you can also read lots of positive customer reviews.
Approx. price: $28 for a charger with 4 cells (March 2010)
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Categories: multimedia, power, batteries, portable devices
