Rechargeable Batteries - how much money DO they save?

loracan1

Even a cheap set of rechargeables is infinitely better than the best quality regular batteries. I've got all sorts of quality ones, use them in the wii/xbox controls and bike torches.

Ben84

TimBuckTeeth wrote: »

Rechargeable batteries are ideal for high drain items such as motorised toys, torches and digital cameras.
They are not ideal for low drain items that last many months from one set of batteries such as clocks and remote controls, due to the self-discharge characteristic mentioned above and the payback period would be years.

The eneloop ones do hold their charge long enough to use in things like clocks, remote controls and calculators. I have started using them for these as they're the first batteries to hand normally. Practically, it works fine, but the pay back is a long time still. However, I'm using them for convenience too, I can just recharge them when needed so no storing batteries that may go out of date or get lost.

grizzly1911

santer wrote: »

Some test results here

http://e-group.uk.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6331

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1023&message=24756026

http://www.users.on.net/~mhains/Tables/swiff/eneloop-v-hybrio.swf

Thanks Santer useful info. Interesting that the Hybrios seem to get good results and the endeloop not so hot. I guess it is all relative though as group it is their performance against standard batteries and straight NiMh that is key.

Radshire

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. It's been very useful to read of the information provided.

The key messages I'm getting are:
1. Don't buy cheap batteries - there may be an additional cost if they leak and ruin the appliance they are powering.
2. Get battereis suitable for the job. Disposable Alkaline batteries for remote controls clocks, calculators etc and rechargeable for everything else.
3. Invest in good batteries and a good charger as this will prolong life. May take a bit longer to realise a saving, but one will be there in the end.

Thanks again to everyone. Much appreciated.

tracey3596

Hmmm .... our little one's now almost 3 and we've ALWAYS used rechargeables; I dread to think how much it would have cost even in cheap batteries! As you'll discover, almost everything needs AA or AAA - though why so often in 3's beats me!
Now okay, I personally really like Hybrio's - shop around & you'll find offers every now & then - BUT ..... look in Aldi or Lidl at their own-brand (Tronic etc). They last just as long (if not longer) as Energizer and whilst they may not be Low Self Discharge they are GREAT in-use!
BTW - at the mo. I'm using an Ansmann quick charger & I really rate their batteries too. The Hybrio charger lasted just over 2 years, & I've JUST had to dispose of my first-ever Energizer rechargeables (bought for a camera) that were I think ABOUT 5 years old!
Hope that helps.