eneloop rechargeable batteries currently do not come as a C or D cell, yet. (read this for info)
They do offer the adapter shells. Some people have great success with these others report back that they seem not to work at all.
Tips, for using the eneloop D and C shells.
1. Make sure the AA battery is completely inserted into the Spacer / Adapter. The Small tip of the eneloop (positive) needs to touch the extremely small ring of metal on the inside of the tip of the adapter.
2. In many case the AA eneloop battery bottem (negative) side is to small to touch the negative contact terminal in the flashlight or other devices .
Solution, Tape a washer or a penny to the eneloops negative side/ bottem of the adapter terminal after inserting the AA battery. This should then provide sufficient contact area for the device.
One of our customers recently sent this in to us. ( Thanks for the feedback !! )
“This may be a new one for you. I knew that I had pushed the AA battery completely into the D cell adapter because it clicked into place. I even pushed the two D cells together inside the flashlight housing to make sure they made contact. This is in a Maglight 2 D-cell flashlight.
Well, as I looked at the two parts of the flashlight I noticed the butt end with the wire coil that presses against the batteries was larger than the AA battery butt end in the adapter. Ah HA! I put a balled up piece of foil over the AA battery end and screwed the butt end of the flashlight on and, voila’! It works! So, it was simply the coiled end of the flashlight was larger than the AA battery so no contact was made. Please add this to your support notes for other Eneloop users who may run into the same issue.
BTW, I’m still very happy with this kit. If a bit of foil is all it takes to reduce my dependence on disposable batteries then that’s fine! I can reuse the same bit of foil over and over and over and over and…….”
We love to hear that about eneloops.. and yes they are worth any extra effort.
Korg to Show eneloop Rechargeable Batteries at Musikmesse in Germany
03/26/2009 13:22 (06:03 minutes ago)
The FINANCIAL — SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) will exhibit eneloop rechargeable batteries at the booth of musical instrument manufacturer, Korg Inc. (Korg), during Musikmesse 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany.
The eneloop battery uses the world’s leading recharging technologies and promotes a lifestyle that values reusing and recycling.
Korg, a leader in the electronic musical instrument industry, will use the Musikmesse to further promote its best selling pocket-sized synthesizer, KAOSSILATOR, which operates using four AA batteries. Started over 25 years ago, Musikmesse is the world’s largest music trade show, and showcases instruments, sheet music, as well as music software and hardware from around the world, all under one roof.
Korg is also committed to addressing global environmental issues. At the Musical Instruments Fair held in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, in October 2008, the two companies held a joint event, where Korg equipped its KAOSSILATOR with eneloop batteries. Since then, Korg has in partnership with SANYO to investigate the technical performance of the eneloop battery as part of its desire to promote replacement of dry-cell batteries with rechargeable batteries in musical instruments. The investigation revealed that the stable voltage and resistance to cold temperatures provided by eneloop help to maintain sound quality. Eneloop combines outstanding environmental performance and superior compatibility with electronic instruments.
SANYO is working with Korg to offer musicians lifestyles with greater performance and environmental value, comfort, and enjoyment.
DepotEco is proud to bring you the fast, safe and secure way to buy Sanyo eneloop rechargeable batteries. Because we know so many of you love to shop on Amazon.com we have now partnered with Amazon to bring you this great new resource for eneloop batteries.
eneloops from the eneloopstore.com are fulfilled, packed and shipped by Amazon.com’s Fulfillment system. To make your shipping as simple as “Amazon possible” :). eneloop users and Amazon Customers use this site for fast shipping and hassle free orders for eneloop users that want to use the convenience of their Amazon.com account, but also need there eneloops!
Now you can buy with confidence at eneloopstore.com This site is built and hosted using Amazon’s technology.
eneloopstore.com has teamed with Amazon to make ordering SAFE and SECURE on our site. By using Amazon technology at Checkout, your order is secure and backed by Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee which guarantees your purchase, the condition of the item you buy and its timely delivery.
How does it work? Simply, use your existing Amazon account during checkout to order products from our site. If you don’t have an Amazon account, it’s easy to set up. Add the products you want to purchase to your cart and create your account during the checkout process.
eneloop Pre-charged (NiMH) Rechargeable Battery 4 Pack (AAA) Retains 85% capacity after 1 year of storage
eneloop is a new type of battery, which satisfies your needs and expectation in an unique way. This battery can be used right after purchasing, has a high performance, has a long shelf life with no loss of energy, can be used everywhere, environmenta …
eneloop is a new type of battery, which satisfies your needs and expectation in an unique way. This battery can be used right after purchasing, has a high performance, has a long shelf life with no loss of energy, can be used everywhere, environmentally friendly and easy to use. Unlike disposable batteries which can only be used once and wasteful, eneloop batteries can be recharged replacing 1000 disposable batteries. Log on to DepotEco.com for more savings..
eneloop is a combination of a rechargeable and a disposable battery, the next evolutionary step for batteries into the 21st century. eneloop is a totally new type of battery, which satisfies in a unique way the needs and expectations of the consumers …
eneloop is a combination of a rechargeable and a disposable battery, the next evolutionary step for batteries into the 21st century. eneloop is a totally new type of battery, which satisfies in a unique way the needs and expectations of the consumers.
2 C Size Adapter Shells to convert AA eneloop in to a C size Battery. Simply Slip your AA Battery in side the adapter shell.
“D” Size eneloop adapter that takes one AA eneloop battery. 2 AA eneloop included.
Perfect for Camera bag or travel. eneloop batteries are for today’s lifestyles. Use them right out of the package! eneloop batteries come pre-charged holding their charge for up to a year. Each battery can be re-charged up to 1000 times. Once charge …
Perfect for Camera bag or travel. eneloop batteries are for today’s lifestyles. Use them right out of the package! eneloop batteries come pre-charged holding their charge for up to a year. Each battery can be re-charged up to 1000 times. Once charged, it can be used repeatedly, and once used completely, it can be recycled. eneloop is the rechargeable battery that can be used like a dry cell battery. Buy-them, use-them, Charge-them, and then have them ready when you need power to go! The Included Compact Charger plugs directly into a socket, and will charge 1-2 batteries in about 2.5 hours.
Main features: Compact and easy to carry. The USB cable can be compactly stored inside of the charger after use. Able to be charged from a USB port on personal computers and other compatible electronic devices. Rapid charge for one or two AA and A …
Main features: Compact and easy to carry. The USB cable can be compactly stored inside of the charger after use. Able to be charged from a USB port on personal computers and other compatible electronic devices. Rapid charge for one or two AA and AAA size “eneloop” batteries. (For one battery, the charging speed is doubled.) Pre-charged Ni-MH rechargeable battery kit Economical: 1 eneloop = 1,000 alkaline batteries Convenient: eneloop batteries are pre-charged and ready to use when you are
Sanyo eneloop 4 cell battery Re-Charger charger (MQN06) * Charges all NiMH batteries in groups of two or four cells at a time. * Includes 4 AA eneloop batteries. * 110V-240V World wide voltage ready * Sanyo part # SEC-MQN06TG-4 eneloop Concept: …
Sanyo eneloop 4 cell battery Re-Charger charger (MQN06) * Charges all NiMH batteries in groups of two or four cells at a time. * Includes 4 AA eneloop batteries. * 110V-240V World wide voltage ready * Sanyo part # SEC-MQN06TG-4 eneloop Concept: The “eneloop” battery proposes a new product concept as “a lifestyle promoting the change from single-use batteries to rechargeable”. The “eneloop” battery has been popular since its release in November 2005. .
Combining all of your battery needs into a convenient kit - that is the idea behind SANYO’s new eneloop Power Pack. The Power Pack comes equipped with a four position charger, eight AA eneloop batteries, two AAA eneloop batteries, four eneloop C spac …
Combining all of your battery needs into a convenient kit - that is the idea behind SANYO’s new eneloop Power Pack. The Power Pack comes equipped with a four position charger, eight AA eneloop batteries, two AAA eneloop batteries, four eneloop C spacers and four eneloop D spacers, which makes this the perfect battery store for your drawer. * Model Sanyo # 277265 * eneloop Rechargeable Battery Power Pack * Pre-charged Ni-MH rechargeable battery kit * Economical: 1 eneloop = 1,000 alkaline batteries * Worry-Free: eneloop works in any device that uses AA, AAA, C or D batteries * Convenient: eneloop batteries are pre-charged and ready to use when you are Battery Charger Features: * (Worldwide Voltage) * Charges both AA and AAA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries * Foldaway plug; No cords or wall adapters needed * Multi-color LED charge indicator lights
New eneloop Mobile USB Booster allows you to charge your USB powered devices. Instant back-up power for all your mobile needs. Recharge your mobile booster with any powered USB port or any AC wall outlet. World wide voltage ready! The Mobile USB boos …
New eneloop Mobile USB Booster allows you to charge your USB powered devices. Instant back-up power for all your mobile needs. Recharge your mobile booster with any powered USB port or any AC wall outlet. World wide voltage ready! The Mobile USB booster comes equipped with two USB outports, allowing you to power two USB devices at the same time! Using Lithium ION technology which is more powerful than most device batteries you can leave the wires at home with the eneloop Mobile USB Booster, take the booster with you anywhere and anytime. Lightweight hand held size makes it convenient for travel and it complies with travel regulations. Never be caught without a charge. The Mobile USB Booster, with a modern design for mobile terminal devices such as MP3 players or portable game consoles, expands the eneloop product range. Once charged via the USB port of a computer or via any AC power outlet, the Lithium-Ion batteries of the eneloop Mobile USB Booster solves power shortages of mobile/hand held devices. When traveling or outdoors, the white eneloop Mobile USB Boosters are the ideal emergency companions when the batteries of the hand held / mobile devices are drained and no power outlet is available for charging. The eneloop Mobile USB Booster charger supplies an MP3 player or a mobile telephone with power for up to 70 minutes via the 2 USB ports Lithium-ion batteries and, as a result, offer an even higher capacity. The KBC-L2S is particularly powerful due to its two lithium-ion batteries and has two USB output connectors so that two mobile devices can be simultaneously rendered operational again for approximately two hours. Another feature is the AC connector with which this versatile Mobile Booster can also be recharged via the power outlet while enabling the charging time to be reduced from 14 to seven hours. eneloop Mobile USB Booster has a voltage of five volts (5vDC) at 500 mA.
Sanyo’s eneloop batteries lasts longer in comparison with standard Alkaline dry cell batteries
Key advantages of Ni-MH batteries are still inherent in eneloop.
For example, superior performance in digital cameras (four times more shots than with alkaline’s)
and the excellent stability even at low temperatures, for example while skiing.
And eneloop can be charged with virtually all modern chargers for Ni-MH batteries.
If you have visited Japan recently then you will know how popular electric bikes are over there. They are so popular in fact, that Sanyo has decided to install recharging locations for government civil servants to park and charge in the area of Tokushima Prefecture.
Sanyo chose this location as it is near a Sanyo battery manufacturing plant. Three of them will be constructed allowing bikers to pull in, plug in, and go about their normal daily activities before returning to a fully-charged bike. The stations will not cost anything to use and are fully automated requiring no on-location staff.
The parking stations have a roof covered with three solar panels of 210 watts each that help capture the energy required to charge the bikes. As a backup there is also an electricity supply in case there isn’t enough solar energy to recharge all the bikes connected to the station.
Local civil servants can expect to start using the stations in March.
Matthew’s Opinion
If there was better provision for cycling on our roads then I would consider using a bike. An electric bike would be even better allowing you to travel faster and with more weight. I think Holland leads the way with a culture of using bikes instead of cars; all of their roads have cycling lanes and many locals use them, especially for travelling around areas like Amsterdam.
Offering free recharging stations is a guaranteed way to get people to continue to use these electric bikes instead of turning to cars. The stations look to be quite green as well using solar energy first and then falling back on electricity when required.
If this experiment is a success then I’m sure it will spread to other areas of Japan. Whether it remains free is another question. These stations surely cost quite a bit to setup, so Sanyo may want to charge a daily rate for their use or offer a subscription service for regular users.
Emergency Lithium - Ion power for all your USB powered devices
2 USB Powerd Outports
High Capacity Lithium-Ion eneloop battery
Includes AC Adapter
Light Weight & Compact
Once charged, the Blue light will stop blinking. Push and hold the DC out button to activate the USB ports. The Blue light will stay on steady for one second to signify the USB ports are on!
Product Description
New eneloop Mobile USB Booster allows you to charge your USB powered devices. Instant back-up power for all your mobile needs. Recharge your mobile booster with any powered USB port or any AC wall outlet. World wide voltage ready!
The Mobile USB booster comes equipped with two USB outports, allowing you to power two USB devices at the same time! Using Lithium ION technology which is more powerful than most device batteries you can leave the wires at home with the eneloop Mobile USB Booster, take the booster with you anywhere and anytime. Lightweight hand held size makes it convenient for travel and it complies with travel regulations. Never be caught without a charge.
The Mobile USB Booster, with a modern design for mobile terminal devices such as MP3 players or portable game consoles, expands the eneloop product range. Once charged via the USB port of a computer or via any AC power outlet, the Lithium-Ion batteries of the eneloop Mobile USB Booster solves power shortages of mobile/hand held devices. When traveling or outdoors, the white eneloop Mobile USB Boosters are the ideal emergency companions when the batteries of the hand held / mobile devices are drained and no power outlet is available for charging.
The eneloop Mobile USB Booster charger supplies an MP3 player or a mobile telephone with power for up to 70 minutes via the 2 USB ports Lithium-ion batteries and, as a result, offer an even higher capacity. The KBC-L2S is particularly powerful due to its two lithium-ion batteries and has two USB output connectors so that two mobile devices can be simultaneously rendered operational again for approximately two hours. Another feature is the AC connector with which this versatile Mobile Booster can also be recharged via the power outlet while enabling the charging time to be reduced from 14 to seven hours. eneloop Mobile USB Booster has a voltage of five volts (5vDC) at 500 mA.
Once charged, the Blue light will stop blinking. Push and hold the DC out button to activate the USB ports. The Blue light will stay on steady for one second to signify the USB ports are on!
Nov. 1 (Bloomberg) — Panasonic Corp., the world’s largest maker of consumer electronics, will seek to buy control of Sanyo Electric Co. as it expands into the solar power business, the Nikkei newspaper reported without citing its sources.
Akira Kadota, a Tokyo-based spokesman at Panasonic, declined to comment on the reports. Hiroyuki Okamoto, a spokesman for Sanyo, said he isn’t aware of any such negotiations.
Goldman and the two Japanese banks hold about 430 million Sanyo preferred shares, worth 620 billion yen ($6.3 billion) and equivalent to 70 percent of the equity of the world’s biggest maker of rechargeable batteries.
The three bailed out Sanyo in February 2006 in return for the securities, which they agreed to hold until March 2009. They need Sanyo’s approval to sell the shares before then. Spokeswomen at Goldman and Sumitomo Mitsui declined to comment. No one answered calls to Daiwa’s Tokyo office.
Sanyo, the world’s leading maker of lithium ion batteries and the third-biggest solar panel producer in Japan, spent years losing money as competition prevented it from profiting on digital cameras and other consumer goods. The company refocused on rechargeable batteries and solar panels after the bailout, scaling back unprofitable businesses such as computer chips.
Solar Business
Panasonic is looking to expand into the fast-growing solar market, while batteries hold growth potential as carmakers move to develop electric vehicles, according to the report.
U.S. solar power installations grew by 45 percent last year, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Sanyo plans to expand solar cell production capacity by 60 percent at a Japanese plant, Kyodo News said yesterday.
Sanyo, whose name means “three oceans,” also teamed up with Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest carmaker, to develop a lithium-ion battery system for use in hybrid cars.
Panasonic has fared relatively better than Japan’s other electronics makers during the current global economic slump. Less reliance on overseas demand compared with rivals including Sony Corp., coupled with strong demand for appliances such as washing machines in China and other markets, helped support profitability. The company beat its second-quarter profit estimates on Oct. 28.
Combined projected sales of Panasonic and Sanyo for the year ending March 31 are about 11.2 trillion yen, according to company forecasts. That would surpass Hitachi Ltd. as the nation’s biggest maker of electrical equipment, and catapult Panasonic to the No. 3 spot in revenue among listed Japanese companies.
eneloop can be charged 1000 times, before it needs to be replaced.
1 eneloop = 1000 alkiline batteries. Think of the cost savings alone. Then think of how many alkaline batteries are sitting in a Landfill near you!. eneloops are recyclable after there useful life. Read below for the full story.
eneloop battery is delivered pre-charged to the store and is ready for immediate use following purchase. There is no need to charge-before-use.
Once the application has used all or some of the energy, eneloop can be charged like a conventional rechargeable battery, 1000 times, before it needs replacing.
Once charged, eneloop retains its charged capacity even after 6 or 12 months of storage
(90% of Charged Capacity retained after 6 months, 85% Capacity after 12 months).
eneloop is pre charged and is ready for immediate use after purchase, straight from the pack. Just like Primary Batteries. There is no need to charge-before-use.
Comparison of remaining capacity over time
eneloop lasts longer in comparison with dry cell batteries
Key advantages of Ni-MH batteries are still inherent in eneloop:g
for example, superior performance in digital cameras (four times more shots than with alkalines) and the excellent stability even at low temperatures, for example while skiing.
And eneloop can be charged with virtually all modern chargers for Ni-MH batteries.
How many volts are in one eneloop AA battery?
AA eneloop battery is 1.2v
AAA eneloop battery is 1.2V
What is the mAh rating of the eneloop AA battery?
AA eneloop battery is 2000 mAh.
AAA eneloop battery is 800 mAh
How long does the eneloop battery last if I use them on a regular basis?
One eneloop battery may be charged, and re-charged up to 1,000* times. Usage will vary depending on what type of device eneloop is used in.
*Estimate based on test results for battery life according to standard JIS C8708 (4.4.) Actual results may vary according to use.
How long will the eneloop battery last if I do not use it?
An eneloop battery may remain up to 85% charged if not used for up to 1 year
*Estimate based on test results for battery life according to standard JIS C8708 (4.4.) Actual results may vary according to use.
Do eneloop batteries fall under the new airline travel guidelines for lithium batteries?
No. The chemistry that eneloop batteries use is Nickel Metal Hydride. eneloop batteries are not lithium and therefore do not fall under the new travel regulations for lithium batteries. For more information on traveling with lithium batteries, please go to http://safetravel.dot.gov.
Does temperature have an effect on their performance?
Yes, temperature does have an effect on eneloop’s performance. If it is too hot, the high temperature could cause the battery to discharge at a more rapid rate. On the other hand, eneloop works better than alkaline, and other rechargeable batteries in freezing temperatures!
Do I have to charge 4 batteries at a time in the 4-position charger, or may I charge only one?
The eneloop 4-position charger battery slots are designed in pairs. It is designed so that it may accommodate charging 2 batteries at a time - 2 in the inside positions or 2 outside positions - or 4 batteries at a time. The charger charges AA or AAA only.
On the 4-position charger does it matter which slot I place the AAA battery into?
You may charge AAA batteries in any of the 4 slots. It is recommended to charge them in pairs - 2 on the inside slots or 2 on the outside slots – or 4 at a time.
How long does it take to charge an eneloop battery in the eneloop 4-position charger?
From 4 to 7 hours.
Can the 4-position charger be used world-wide?
If you have the 4 position charger (Model # MQN05) with the sliding cover, then no. The new 4 position charger (Model # MQN06) does have world-wide voltage. You will need to purchase adapters to convert the plug to international standards.
How long does it take to charge an eneloop battery in the eneloop 2-position compact charger?
From 2 to 4 hours.
Can the 2-position compact charger be used world-wide?
Yes, the compact charger has world-wide voltage. You will need to purchase adapters to convert the plug to international standards.
Can I use a “Quick Charger” to charge an eneloop battery?
Though it is possible to charge an eneloop battery in a “Quick Charger”, it is not recommended. We recommend charging eneloop batteries in a NiMh charger that is 2 hours or more. Charging eneloop batteries in a “Quick Charger” can reduce the overall life of the battery. It is strongly recommended to use eneloop, GE/Sanyo or Sanyo NiMh battery chargers. We only warrant eneloop if used with an eneloop, GE/Sanyo or Sanyo NiMh battery charger.
Will my eneloop battery charge in any other charger other than the eneloop charger?
It is strongly recommended to use eneloop, GE/Sanyo or Sanyo NiMh battery chargers. Most NiMh rechargeable battery chargers may be used to charge eneloop, however we only warranty eneloop if used with an eneloop, GE/Sanyo or Sanyo NiMh battery charger.
What is the number of charger/discharge cycles I can expect from the eneloop battery?
eneloop may be charged up to 1,000 times*.
*Estimate based on test results for battery life according to standard JIS C8708 (4.4.) Actual results may vary according to use.
Can dropping the battery cause damage to it?
Yes.
What does mAh stand for?
The (mA) stands for milliamps. The (h) stands for hour. This rating is in regards to the life of the battery, similar to the gas tank in your car.
What does the terminology “memory effect” specify?
Memory Effect is a term used to describe the effects on the overall life of the battery when it goes through charge and discharge cycles. The eneloop battery does not experience the effects of “memory effect”.
Should I store my batteries charged or uncharged?
If stored with charge, it is possible that when you return to use the battery there may still be some charge left in the battery, therefore it will enable you to use it right then and there. Also, by keeping some charge in the battery, it will require you to “cycle” the battery fewer times until it reaches its peak charge. If you store them with no charge, you will have to “cycle” the battery multiple times until it reaches its peak charge.
Will the eneloop battery work with Nintendo Wii remotes?
Yes, the eneloop battery does work with the Nintendo Wii remotes. In fact they are a perfect fit for one another. They also work with any other type of remote that requires an AA or AAA battery.
Where is the best place to store my eneloop rechargeable battery? Does it matter what the temperature is where I store them? Can they be stored in a freezer?
The best place to story any battery, rechargeable or not, is in a dry cool place, such as a drawer, under your bed or in a closet. Keep them away from the possibility of coming in contact with extreme high heat. It is recommended to store them at or around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not recommended to store them in a freezer, as it is best to keep materials of this nature away from food products.
What is the warranty on eneloop batteries and chargers?
Eneloop has a limited warranty. Sanyo will replace the eneloop battery or eneloop charger free of charge if it proves to be defective within one year from the date of purchase. USA Only. Receipt with proof of purchase must be provided.
Where do I recycle eneloop when its life has expired?
Please visit www.rbrc.org to find out rechargeable battery disposal and recycling locations in your area.
The Sanyo Ark: Covered in 5,000 solar panels, the edifice is a working power-generation system which also houses a solar museum. But is it a genuine statement of Sanyo’s ideology or just a PR stunt?
The electronics giant is turning to rechargeable batteries and waterless washing machines, writes David McNeill in Tokyo
RIDING THE Shinkansen Bullet Train out of Tokyo along the eastern industrial corridor towards Osaka has long been one of the best and most pleasurable ways to experience Japan’s high-tech economy. Electronics giant Sanyo has added another attraction to the route: as the train barrels along at 270km/h (168m/h), it passes Sanyo’s Solar Ark, a futuristic 15m (50ft) -wide solar building that rises out of the landscape like a giant black boombox near the industrial city of Nagoya.
Simultaneously a working power-generation system and a monument to solar energy, the ark’s surface is made up of 5,000 solar panels that help power the entire facility. Inside, a museum to solar power attracts thousands of schoolchildren a year, part of what Sanyo - with a straight corporate face - calls an attempt “to live in harmony with the earth”.
The company has just emerged from a bruising battle with its founding family, ending what the Nikkei business newspaper called “six decades of nepotism”. In a spring-cleaning that shocked Japan’s staid corporate world, president Toshimasa Iue was ousted last year along with Tomoyo Nonaka, his hand-picked chairwoman. Iue’s father, 75-year-old chairman Satoshi, went the year before.
Shareholders rebelled after Sanyo posted a record net loss of about €1.16 billion in 2005, following earthquake damage to its Niigata semiconductor plant and failed investments in liquid crystal panels and microchips.
Analysts also believe that Nonaka, one of the very few women to run a Japanese company, pushed Sanyo’s conservative board too far, by attempting an ambitious restructuring linked to the environmental theme of Gaia, which holds that the planet is a self-regulating, interrelated organism. In a corporate blurb more Greenpeace than mass manufacturer, Sanyo now says it is “committed to listening to Gaia’s voice and engaging in activities that are beneficial to life and the Earth”.
Some observers have been startled at this fulsome embrace of environmentalism by a company known mainly for dour if dedicated service to churning out batteries and consumer appliances.
Long-time Tokyo tech-watcher J Mark Lytle calls it “the mother of all corporate makeovers”. Yurika Ayukawa, a leading environmental consultant who gave a presentation to Sanyo’s board in 2005, recalls that the Gaia concept was “not popular at all” among the company’s directors.
But even she acknowledges that this may be more than just a case of environmental opportunism. Sanyo’s rebranding coincided with the release of the Eneloop, a range of rechargeable batteries that have clocked up 60 million sales in less than three years and grabbed half the market for that product niche with two simple innovations: they last much longer than anything else on the shelves, and come to the shops already recharged.
The Eneloop series has expanded to include reusable solar chargers and other products, and Sanyo now makes battery packs for Nintendo’s mega-hit Wii. Expect the rest of the world to follow: just 400 million rechargeable batteries are sold globally out of total disposable sales of 40 billion, and Sanyo wants a much bigger share. And it is going after the burgeoning market for hybrid-electric car batteries in deals with Honda, Ford and Volkswagen.
Then there is Aqua, a range of state-of-the-art washing machines that clean clothes with little or no water or detergent. The trick is a drum that converts oxygen to ozone, which destroys bacteria and dirt, and recycles ozone-purified water from the rinse cycle - or even from last night’s bath. The Aqua 3,000 doesn’t come cheap - it’s about €1,300 - but its environmental appeal, and the promise of a €100 cut in annual water bills have helped make it a hit in Japan, with 210,000 units sold.
Of course nobody, least of all Sanyo, is considering a full-on Gaia revolution, which would entail abandoning our entire modern lifestyles. Still, these are the kind of innovative products that put Japan on the map, and they have helped vindicate the rebranding decision. The company plans more of the same, earmarking 70 per cent of €2.45 billion in capital spending over the next three years on solar cells, batteries, and components, as it continues to scale down production of mobile phones, white goods and LCD displays.
Solar technology, in particular, is seen as a key growth area, with €477 million set aside for capital spending on that technology alone. Production of solar panels at Sanyo’s European assembly base in Hungary will triple in the next few years. “‘Think Gaia’ is genuine,” insists Sanyo spokesman Aaron Fowles, who says that the entire company is aiming to become “carbon-neutral” by 2010.
He urges those sceptical of Sanyo’s conversion, to consider the Gaia opposite: the “blind pursuit” of convenience and comfort: “‘Think Gaia’ is more than merely a ‘green’ or ‘eco’ initiative. It really is a focus on how we can contribute to make life and the Earth be in harmony.” The rebranding comes at a crucial time. Although Sanyo returned to profitability this year, its financial problems in 2005 forced it to go cap in hand to a consortium of lenders, who bought 300 billion yen (€1,925 billion) of preferred stock - about 70 per cent of the company’s value.
So far, the new management has kept the shareholders on board, but critics will continue to pick at Sanyo’s new-found environmental credentials. The Solar Ark provides an irresistible symbol of the company’s rebranding: is it genuinely saving power or just a giant PR stunt? According to its website, the ark’s solar panels generate 530,000 kilowatt-hours of energy per year, providing power to plants within the complex, and saving money on energy bills. But Sanyo doesn’t say how much money.
Technology writer Tim Hornyak urges caution: “It’s easy to bamboozle consumers with slogans. Big companies that have these campaigns are the very ones that are trying to block governments from curbing environmental emissions, so it behooves us to look beyond these slogans, and see what are they actually doing.”
Like many other observers, and companies, in Japan, he will be watching to see if Sanyo pulls off its green revolution.
Think Gaia, think rechargeable batteries,..
With this charger / booster, these eneloop batteries can be charged from USB and it can power USB equipments
The good thing is… I have enough eneloop batteries to feed, since I no longer have cameras that take AA batteries!
and yes they are worth any extra effort.
