The best rechargeable C-size batteries are Acculoop C cells,by Accupower.These batteries are the new low self-discharge NiMH (Nickel Metal-Hydride) cells,and they have a high capacity of 4500 mAhs (milliamp hours).Rechargeable size C batteries are available using either Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Nickel-Cadmium (NICAD or NiCd) technology.While NiCd batteries are unsurpassed in their ability to provide strong bursts of power,NiMH batteries are more modern,provide greater capacity and have no memory-effect.Acculoop batteries are also rebranded as “AccuEvolution” — these are the same batteries marketed by a Michigan company in the USA with a partnership with Accupower in Austria.
Rechargeable batteries have made some real improvements in the last five years.Most notably, you can now get rechargeables that don’t go flat after a couple of months!The technology is called “low self-discharge” and means rechargeable batteries can hold 80% of their charge for a year.Low self-discharge batteries (LSD) NiMH cells were first introduced by Sanyo in their Eneloop AA cells in November 2005.Since then,other battery manufacturers have adopted this technology.Then in 2010,companies like Accupower and Maha started releasing LSD NiMH cells in C and D sizes.
An alkaline C cell is typically rated for about 8000 mAh,but only at a very low current (around 30 mA).When used at a load of 500 mA (such as flashlight),the capacity of an alkaline drops to about half.Basically,the advantage that alkaline cells have over NiHM cells,is that they have a shelf life of about 10 years,with minimal self-discharge.The AA Alkaline batteries are the most common type of AA battery.They are pre-charged,and are rated at 1.5 Volt.In most applications an AA alkaline batteries will last up to five times longer than a low-cost inexpensive AA Zinc batteries.
Rechargeable size C batteries can replace single use batteries in most applications that require one or two batteries.Applications with many batteries work only if the device was expressly designed for rechargeable batteries.Sadly,rechargeable batteries don’t work in most digital radios – they take six cells,and need a higher voltage than NiMH or NiCd batteries can provide.
Lithium technology has only emerged in batteries over the past 20 years.It is a particularly attractive substance to use in batteries because it combines very light weight with chemical features that make it suitable for the design of high voltage batteries.AA Lithium batteries are premium AA battery type.They are also pre-charged,and rated at 1.5 Volt.This type of AA lithium battery is especially suited for electronic applications such as digital cameras,where a steady voltage is essential to maintain optimum performance.In such applications AA Lithium batteries will last much longer than an Alkaline or Zinc AA battery.
