Batteries are the power source of choice for many items used in survival situations because electrical power from other sources may not be available. However, regular alkaline batteries have a limited life. Once their power has been depleted, they must be thrown away and new batteries obtained. Rechargeable batteries solve this problem.
Because rechargeable batteries can be recharged many times, they take up less space to provide the same amount of power – or more. Because they can be recharged with a car adapter or from solar power as well as from electricity, they are versatile enough to be useful for a long time in very bad disaster situations.
There are several different materials used to hold the charge in rechargeable batteries. These include lead-acid, lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), and zinc-air. Different mixtures have different results, but all are useful and rechargeable.
It does cost a little more to purchase rechargeable batteries, but because they can be used over and over, the cost ends up being less in the long run. Since one can purchase 16 alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries for $8-$13 and 16 rechargeable batteries cost around $28-$32, it is apparent that by the fourth recharge, the cost has become equal, and any recharges after that decrease the per-use cost.
Batteries
There are several brands of rechargeable batteries available. Most of the popular brands of batteries also offer rechargeable versions.
AmazonBasics
AmazonBasics may be considered an off brand by many people but it is surprisingly high in quality. In a test of batteries, the AA batteries were found to last longer than even the Energizer batteries – though only slightly. These Ni-MH batteries will serve well any portable power needs.
Energizer
Energizer has long been an elite battery brand, and for good reason. Their alkaline batteries are the only ones guaranteed not to leak, and they carry that quality over to their NiMH rechargeable batteries.
Panasonic Eneloop
Eneloop cells can be recharged up to 2100 times and keep 70% of church unused for up to 10 years. Excellent for all types of household devices, these batteries come pre-charged.
EBL
These Ni-MH batteries can be recharged 1200 times and will offer superior power and performance.The lattice technology allows the inner space to be more efficient, providing constant voltage.
Powerowl
These pre-charged NiMH batteries have a long life (over 1200 recharges) and will retain 70% power after 3 years of storage. They are environmentally friendly, reducing pollution of heavy metals.
Bonai
Ni-MH high-capacity batteries can be recharged with solar power or with a standard DC or USB charger. These maintain 80% of charge after 3 years. No memory effect, so recharging can happen at any level of charge.
Zonhood
Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries can be recharged 1200 or more times. These high capacity batteries are environmentally friendly and output 1.2V and 2800 mAH. They have a built in safety circuit to keep them from overcharging or discharging too quickly when unused.
Deleepow
These Li-ion batteries are made of top-quality cells internally. These lithium batteries charge quickly to limit downtime of devices.
Chargers
It is important to note that if a charger is intended for a certain type of rechargeable battery, it may be dangerous to attempt to charge a different type in it, unless it specifically says it will work for it. For example, Ni-MH and Li-ion have different charging requirements, so unless the charger is meant to charge both types, it is wise to stick to the type that is listed in the description.
Panasonic Eneloop Pro Power Pack
Charge Eneloop and other Ni-MH AA and AAA rechargeable batteries in this charger, which can handle up to four at a time in any combination. This charger comes with eight AA and two AAA batteries in a plastic case for storage.
Panasonic Eneloop Quick Charger
This quick charger will charge four AA or AAA rechargeable batteries in about 3 hours, with fewer batteries charging in less time. Each bay has its own sensor and LED light to indicate charge level, with an auto shut off built in. Four AA Eneloop rechargeable batteries are included.
Energizer Universal Charger
NiMH batteries of any standard size (AAA – D and 9V) can be charged in this charger. It has a built-in adapter and the cord is detachable for ease of storing between uses. It automatically turns off when batteries are fully charged.
AmazonBasics Ni-MH AA and AAA
Charge any AA and AAA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries with this handy charger which has a retractable AC plug and USB port.
MiBoxer
This universal battery charger offers a speedy charge for Ni-MH and NiCd batteries of AA and AAA sizes. It has an LCD display to show the charging status of the batteries, including error symbols if a battery is improperly placed. If a battery is overcharged, it can discharge enough to level it, and the display will show an error if a battery is damaged.
Nitecore
This smart charger by Nitecore offers charging for Li-ion, IMR, Ni-MH, and NiCd batteries in sizes AAA, AA, C, and D. It also has USB charging ports. Each of the 8 bays is independent and the unit has LED lights to indicate status.
EBL 8-Bay Ni-MH, NiCd AA and AAA
Made of fireproof material, this charger can handle up to 8 batteries (in even numbers) of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries of Ni-MH or NiCd. Double safety protection meets North American standards of safety. Charging automatically stops when the battery is full as well as when a battery is defective or not rechargeable.
Bonai
Universal battery charger handles up to 4 AA, AAA, C, or D batteries or two 9V. Either Ni-MH or NiCd can be recharged with this device. Its rapid charge fills 9V in under 12 hours and the other sizes in under 5. The included discharge button allows batteries to be discharged before recharging, for batteries that are affected by the memory effect.
Powerowl
A large LCD screen visualized data for the batteries in this charger with independent bays. It can hold up to four batteries of AA, AAA, C, D, or two 9V, of either Ni-MH or NiCd. It has overcharge protection and overheat protection, as well as protection against short circuits. It automatically reverts to a trickle charge at the end of charging to completely fill the batteries safely.