Energizer Zinc Air batteries on sale next year - last three times longer than lithium ion

Batteries are one of the few technologies that haven’t changed dramatically since their invention, but Energizer plans to launch a new type next year that bring some big changes.

The Energizer Zinc Air is a non-rechargeable battery that uses — you guessed it — zinc and air to generate energy. And, more to the point, they’re smaller, cheaper and, it’s claimed, last up to three times longer than equivalent rechargeable lithium ion batteries

Zinc Air technology is 35 years old, but it’s only recently that Energizer figured out a way to stop them from rapidly degrading when first exposed to oxygen. The breakthrough was announced at CES last January, but it seems that it’s taken the best part of a year for Energizer to start production. Zinc Air technology still isn’t perfect though, and energy output is still hindered by low temperatures and a steady supply of dry air is key to their performance.

Still, Zinc Air batteries still have potential for smaller, longer lasting gadgets and 30-odd OEMs have so far expressed an interest in using them, with the first products expected to appear some time next year.

[ TechOn]