A quick guide to Battery Types

This is is a very brief guide to the types of batteries on the market todaySingle use

Zinc Carbon

These batteries have been with us for the best part of 150 years now.

They are very low priced, and are great for low drain appliances such as clocks, and back up memory batteries.

Not for use in high drain appliances like radio controls and digital Cameras

Alkaline

This type have been with us for around 60 years now, and Duracell are the current market leaders.

These batteries on average last 2-3 times longer than standard Zinc Carbon batteries, and are ideal for higher drain appliances.

Lithium

Primarily used in Coincells ( CR 2032 etc), they have very long shelf lives up to 10 years, and a "constant" power output.

Some Digital Camera batteries also use Lithium, such as 2CR5 batteries and CRV3 batteries

Oxyride

This is the very latest in Battery technology, developed and marketed by Panasonic, these batteries will last on average up to 2 times as long as alkaline batteries.

And are ideal for todays high drain appliances like Digital Cameras.

This technology has only been with us for a couple of years, so there are only still a few places you can buy them, eBay of course being one.

Currently only available in AAA or AA size

Oxyride batteries

In independent lab testing, new AA-size Oxyride cells lasted twice as long as alkaline cells. That results in double the amount of pictures and more rapid flash recovery time in digital cameras. In other high-drain digital and electronic devices, such as MP3 and CD players, the batteries averaged 1.5 times more power than Panasonic's alkaline cells for more playing time. To demonstrate the extreme power of Panasonic's new battery, the company is showcasing how two AA-size Oxyride batteries are capable of powering a 40-pound car with 100-pound driver for approximately three-quarters of a mile at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Panasonic Oxyride Extreme Power battery - Next generation technology The Oxyride Extreme Power battery was developed with a technology based on a combination of newly developed materials and an advanced manufacturing process. The newly adopted cathode materials (Oxy Nickel Hydroxide and newly developed manganese dioxide and graphite) allow an increase in the quantity of the pouring amount inside the battery and a controlled mixing ratio, leading to higher voltage and current. Additionally, a new vacuum pouring technology enables the quantity of electrolyte in the battery to be increased, resulting in higher durability. With the combination of these technological developments, Panasonic's new Oxyride Extreme Power battery allows users to enjoy the benefits of improved power performance and durability.

Mercury