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source : http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/powergenix-nizn-rechargeable-aa-batteries-finally-some-cells-w/

by Darren Murph posted Nov 9th 2009 at 11:22AM

It’s rare if a month flies by without some random university or DIYer proclaiming that the next major jump in battery technology is just over the horizon, and yet, here we are — in the year 2009 — still buying overpriced AA cells from Duracell and Energizer that deplete far too quickly given the technology available. Heck, even those standard rechargeable cells have seen their performance degrade hastily in our experiences, and we’ve been longing for a rechargeable cell that was actually worth its salt for a long, long time. Frankly, we passed off the PowerGenix NiZn battery as just another slice of vaporware when it was first uncovered in late 2008, but after they went on sale this summer, we decided to really put a set through the paces. Click on to find out how we feel about ‘em after months and months of hardcore usage.

One of the major concerns with traditional NiMh rechargeables is just how weak they are, and just how quickly their longevity declines. With few exceptions, most of these cells can’t actually power a dedicated hotshoe flash for more than a few minutes (if at all), and any application that demands a serious amount of power generally asks too much from these pricey tubes. Furthermore, these batteries also have a tendency to go from fully charged to empty faster and faster as time goes on, and while we understand that said phenomenon is simply a harsh reality when dealing with devices such as this, we always felt that the performance decline was unacceptable given the price premium attached to ‘em.

Enter PowerGenix, a little known company with a lot of hustle and a pocket full of promises. The company is selling 1.6v AA Nickel Zinc rechargeables at a variety of outlets now, with the MRSP for a 4-pack sitting at $14.99; the special charger (needed for charging NiZn batteries) can be purchased along with four cells for $24.99. We began using these with exceptionally low expectations, and six wedding shoots later, we’re now grinning from ear to ear. Our Nikon Speedlight SB-600 chews through standard batteries like a voracious beast, only squeezing out around 200 to 300 shots on a warm, lucky day. The PowerGenix cells, however, allowed us to fire the flash anywhere between 300 and 400 times in all conditions, and even after running them bone dry and juicing them back up for months on end, we’ve yet to see ‘em take a performance hit.

For Immediate Release:  May 30th 2009

We at DepotEco are adding something really exciting to our inventory this summer! We have the honor of being one of the first stores to offer the newest in innovative Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) battery technology from PowerGenix.

In the past few years, interest in PowerGenix NiZn batteries has skyrocketed as their reputation for producing the most reliable, highest quality NiZn technology has grown. Today the company is supplying NiZn cells into multiple markets including power tool, lawn and garden, consumer AA, military, and light electric vehicle (LEV).

In the exciting and quickly evolving world of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), PowerGenix and their NiZn battery technology is being recognized as a game changer and real step forward in terms of efficiency, power, environmental soundness, and cost effectiveness. PowerGenix’s NiZn powered Toyota Prius was showcased at the 2009 San Diego International Auto Show where the advanced battery vehicle was featured in the Eco-Center, the main feature of the 2009 show. As the Prius, the Insight, and other new hybrid cars battle it out for the top spot, PowerGenix’s NiZn technology is finding itself at the center of HEV innovation.

PowerGenix has also entered into a supply agreement with PowerEagle, the leading manufacturer of electric bicycles in China. Under the agreement, PowerGenix will supply its NiZn cells for pack fabrication into the entire product line offered by Veloteq, PowerEagle’s North American sales and distribution partner, beginning in 2009. In many other arenas PowerGenix has seen a great increase in demand and investment and has accordingly begun high-volume manufacturing.

For decades NiZn batteries have been recognized for their usefulness in applications demanding high discharge rate capabilities. With a high energy-density ratio and an open circuit voltage of 1.6 volts they have been heralded as the batteries of the future for high drain applications. Now PowerGenix- an innovative San Diego based company founded in 2000- has developed and is manufacturing patented NiZn 1.6 Volt Rechargeable AA batteries that make NiZn technology more effective, useful and available than ever before.

PowerGenix has improved already efficient NiZn technology by increasing cycle-life, lowering cost, reducing size and weight by 30% and improving low temperature discharge behavior. The small size and low internal resistance of PowerGenix NiZn 1.6 Volt Rechargeable AA Batteries enables the delivery of significantly more power during periods of peak demand than a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery of comparable size.

Another way that PowerGenix NiZn batteries have raised the bar is by their ability to completely recharge in less than two hours and achieve 80% recharge within one hour, a key benefit for cordless power tools, electronics and many other applications. These rechargeable batteries are also completely safe, non-combustible and easier on the environment than other comparable technologies.

Until now, NiZn 1.6 Volt Rechargeable AA batteries have been available only in limited quantities via one camera merchant. But we at DepotEco were so impressed by the efficiency and environmental soundness of these batteries that we were determined to make them available to our customers. We are honored to announce that beginning in late June we will be one of the first stores to carry these amazing batteries. They are now available online and in our brick and mortar store.

PowerGenix White Paper

Buy Now~! Here…