Sanyo's new rechargeable batteries are ready to use out of the box

Sanyo developed rechargeable batteries that allow recharging during the manufacturing process. Moreover, users don't need to recharge them after purchasing.

The new Sanyo batteries are nickel metal hybrids, similar to those currently on the market, but with some improvements. Normally, NiMH batteries lose energy in time, even when they are not used. Consequently, between the fabrication process and the actual sale, they may end up completely empty. The new Sanyo batteries lose energy much more slowly when they are not in use, which means that, usually, they can be used right out of the box.

Sanyo says that its new batteries lose almost 15 percent of their initial energy after a year of not being used. In the same period, rival batteries lose their energy completely. The company will promote the new rechargeables as a replacement of normal batteries, which represent a pollution factor, over 40 million batteries being disposed every year.

The new Sanyo product will be named "Eneloop" and will be launched on the 14th of November, at a price of $10 per AA two-pack. Packs of 4 and 8 batteries will also be available, plus a special recharger.

Sanyo estimates that its new batteries will drain their life after 1000 recharges. The company also says that Eneloop products are environment-friendly and can be recycled.