Hybrio batteries bridge gap between disposables and rechargables

We're resigned to the fact that the constantly increasing power demands of modern gadgets will always outstrip slow increases in the energy density of batteries: however, high energy density is not the only factor that goes into making a good battery. Other factors that matter include the length of time that a battery can hold its power, how often it can be recharged, its price, how easily they can be recycled, and, of course, how often they explode. Disposable batteries come dead last in pretty much all the aforementioned categories, which is why we're happy to see that Uniross, a company that develops and manufactures rechargable batteries, has released its range of "hybrid" Hybrio batteries in North America. The Hybrio batteries mix the best of disposables batteries (fully-charged out of the box) with the best of rechargable batteries (can be reused / recharged) whilst keeping the price down, which is the main reason that people continue to buy environmentally damaging one-use batteries. A four-pack of fully charged Hybrios with a charger comes in at around £15, and each battery keeps 70% of its charge after a year, can cope with up to 500 charge cycles, and is protected by a three year limited warranty. We've heard this whole song and dance before, but apparently Hybrios are such an improvement over regular one-use batteries that the Worldwide Wildlife Fund recently let the company stick its logo on the packets -- and if there's anything that motivates us to buy things, it's a giant, environmentally-friendly panda.

[tekdroid @ Sep 8th 2006 8:47AM]

what's more interesting is to know the financial details of the WWF logo transaction. Nothing is free.

[Gaz @ Sep 8th 2006 10:08AM]

I think this is great. I have refused to buy disposable batteries for years, due to my environmental standpoint. But am sometimes caught out when I require fresh batteries, fully charged, instantly. There now exists almost no reason to buy disposables now. Hopefully this technology can be utilised by other manufacturers, and prices will come down.

[Sean Cooper @ Sep 8th 2006 10:16AM]

I dunno if the price would be lower in the states, but if you straight convert it, it would be something like 25 dollars american. I can get a 4 pack of Duracell rechargables for 12 to 14 dollars American as it is.

Tettra

[calibur @ Sep 8th 2006 11:08AM]

Yes your right tettra, but that is a 25$ price tag with a charger. Most 4packs of AA rechargables with an included charger is 25-30$ in your local bestbuy, or electronics store. And yes I know with bargain hunting you can get them cheaper, but i'm saying this toward the average american that buys their items at face value when they walk in the local bestbuy.

[Pete @ Sep 8th 2006 11:16AM]

No mention of Sanyo's Eneloops, which do the same? Supposedly they are 2000mAh NiMH batteries that retain 85-90% of their full charge after a year of sitting on the shelf. They are also sold fully charged and cost about £8 for 4, without charger (but they must be imported at the moment).

I've got several pairs that are fantastic so far (and one set that I'm leaving fully charged to test).

[All Your Lost Socks @ Sep 8th 2006 11:24AM]

Not to mention the fact that it's never a straight conversion from pounds to USD. Prices in Europe are higher in general.
This will be great. I was just thinking to myself how I will hate having to deal with regular old rechargeables when powering my Wii Remote... now I know :) Supposing they come to the USA, that is.

[Jake @ Sep 8th 2006 11:25AM]

i think this is a great idea bout the problem is the disposal. Even though these will last a really long time at some point they will need to be disposed of. How would one go about dispose of these kinds of batteries??

[otakucode @ Sep 8th 2006 12:43PM]

What voltage do these put out? All the rechargables I've seen put out 1.2 - 1.4V, none of them pushing the 1.5V they're SUPPOSED TO. They don't claim they'll do 1.5V or anything, that's just what devices except from an alkaline...

And does anyone have any experience with the digital alkaline rechargers? Do they actually work?

[Mandarin @ Sep 8th 2006 2:24PM]

Is this not the same thing as that failed venture known as RENEWAL a few years ago? They were alkaline batteries that were rechargeable, that came charged right out the box, and needed a special charger?

[Russ @ Sep 8th 2006 4:39PM]

Well, I'm happy with my Sanyo eneloop batteries, which can be used 1000 times. After 1 year, they hold an 85% charge.

[James @ Sep 8th 2006 6:05PM]

These have been released in the uk as well. We sell them at the place i work at (just received them yesterday and today). can't remember how much tho. but if anyone wants some, maplins is the place

[suidakra @ Sep 9th 2006 12:57AM]

'eneloop' by Sanyo seems a better option than this one.
- It holds 85% of charge after one year (vs. 70% of Hybrio)
- It can be charged up to 1000 times (vs. 500 of Hybrio)

Check out the website if you are interested in.
http://www.eneloop.info/218.html

Unfortunately, it is not available in US so I am holding my breath for this.
Of course, I am in no way related to Sanyo.

[hawk @ Sep 9th 2006 10:09AM]

I dunno. Didn't we used to have rechargable alkalines? That went over well. I used to use them in my walkman. Ehh.

[Douglas C Perrenoud @ Oct 16th 2006 4:22PM]

The Sanyo Eneloop AA batteries are available in the US at Ritz Camera for $11.99/4. I picked some up this weekend and I'm giving them a try. I'd like to try out the hybrios also. I don't know that we can read too much into the 85% vs. 70% after one year claims until these have actually been tested. Sanyos could be better, or could be that Uniross is just being more truthful about the actual performance of their batteries. Speaking for myself, if they can hold 80% of their charge for 2 months or more, I'd be very happy!

[Chris @ Dec 28th 2006 10:15AM]

They Hybrio is also available in the US. I am not sure what stores it is available in, but they can be purchased online at http://www.rechargeablesonline.com

They appear to be competitively priced with other brands: $11.99/4 Pack of AA or AAA.

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