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.
AmazonBasics AA Rechargeable Batteries (2000 mAh), Pre-charged - Pack of 16
AmazonBasics AAA Rechargeable Batteries (800 mAh), Pre-charged - Pack of 12
AmazonBasics 9 Volt Everyday Alkaline Battery - Pack of 4
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.
Energizer Rechargeable AA Batteries
Energizer Rechargeable AAA Batteries, 700 mAh NiMH, Pre-charged, Chargeable for 1,000 Cycles, 8 Count (Recharge Universal)
Energizer Rechargeable 9V Batteries, NiMH, 175 mAh, Pre-Charged, 1 Count (Recharge Universal)
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.
Panasonic BK-3HCCA16FA eneloop pro AA High Capacity Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 16 Pack
Panasonic BK-4HCCA12FA eneloop pro AAA High Capacity Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 12 Pack
Panasonic K-KJ75MC64ZA eneloop Power Pack 6AA, 4AAA, 4 C Adapters, 4 D Adapters, “Advanced” Individual Battery Charger with USB Port and Plastic Storage Case
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.
EBL AA Rechargeable Batteries 2800mAh Ready2Charge Quality AA Batteries - 16 Counts
EBL Rechargeable AAA Batteries (16-Counts) Ready2Charge 1100mAh Ni-MH Battery
EBL Purple Super Power Battery Box Include : 12 AA Batteries + 8 AAA Batteries +2pcs C/D Adapters
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.
POWEROWL AA Rechargeable Batteries, 2800mAh High Capacity Batteries 1.2V NiMH Low Self Discharge, Pack of 16
AAA Rechargeable Batteries 24 Pack, POWEROWL High Capacity Rechargeable AAA Batteries 1000mAh 1.2V NiMH Low Self Discharge
POWEROWL Rechargeable C Batteries Nickle Metal Hydride 5000mah Low Self Discharge NiMH C-Cell Battery (4 Pack)
POWEROWL Rechargeable D Batteries 10000mah Low Self Discharge, NiMH, Pre-Charged, 4 Count (Recharge Universal)
POWEROWL 9V Rechargeable Batteries 600mAh Lithium-ion Low Self Discharge Battery for Smoke Dectector and More 4 Pack
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.
BONAI AA Rechargeable Batteries Solar Rechargeable NiMH AA Battery, 1.2v Precharged 1100mAh High Capacity for Solar Lights, Garden Lights, Solar Lamp Anti-Leak, Outdoor Durability (AA 20 Pack)
BONAI 1100mAh AAA Rechargeable Batteries 1.2V Ni-MH High-Capacity Batteries AAA 16 Pack - AAA for Garden Lights
BONAI Rechargeable C Batteries, C Cells 5000mAh 1.2V Ni-MH High Capacity C Size Battery (4 Pack)
BONAI D Rechargeable Batteries 10,000mAh 1.2V Ni-MH High Capacity High Rate D Size Battery (8 Pack)
BONAI 6F22 9 Volt Rechargeable Battery(4 Pack) 600mAh Li-ion Rechargeable 9v Batteries with Charger(2 Bay) High Capacity
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.
AA Rechargeable Batteries, AA Batteries 2800mAh High-Capacity AA Batteries Rechargeable AABatteries 1.2V Ni-MH Low Self Discharge (8pack)
Rechargeable AAA Batteries,AAA Batteries 1100mAh High-Capacity Batteries Rechargeable Batteries 1.2V Ni-MH Low Self Discharge Lasting Power Recharge Battery (16PACK)
Deleepow
These Li-ion batteries are made of top-quality cells internally. These lithium batteries charge quickly to limit downtime of devices.
Deleepow AA Rechargeable Batteries, 4 Counts 1.5V Lithium Batteries Cell 3200mWh Long Lasting Rechargeable AA Batteries - Storage Boxes Included
Delipow AAA Rechargeable Batteries，USB 1.5V Lithium Rechargeable Batteries, 1000mWh AAA Battery,1H Quick Charge,1200 Cycle with USB Cable- 4 Pack
Deleepow 9V Lithium Battery 600mAh High Capacity Rechargeable 9V Batteries with Long Lasting Service Time, 2 Packs
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 K-KJ17KHC82A eneloop pro High Capacity Power Pack, 8AA, 2AAA, with"Advanced" Individual Battery Charger and Plastic Storage Case
Panasonic K-KJ55MCA4BA Advanced Individual Battery 3 Hour Quick Charger with 4 AA eneloop Rechargeable Batteries, White
Energizer Recharge Universal Charger for NiMH Rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V Batteries
AmazonBasics Ni-MH AA & AAA Battery Charger With USB Port for Rechargeable Batteries (Renewed)
Universal Battery Charger,MiBOXER 8-Bay Smart Charger with Automatic LCD Display,Fast Charge Rechargeable Li-ion LiFePO4 Ni-MH Ni-Cd AA AAA C 18650 26650 18350 17670 18700 21700 RCR123
NITECORE i8 Eight Bays Smart Battery Charger for Li-ion/IMR/Ni-MH/Ni-Cd 26650 22650 18650 18490 18350 16340 RCR123 14500 AA AAA AAAA C D USB with EdisonBright BBX3 Battery Carry case
EBL 8-Bay Battery Charger for AA AAA NIMH NICD Rechargeable Batteries
BONAI LCD Universal Battery Charger for AA, AAA, C, D, 9V Ni-MH Ni-CD Rechargeable Batteries with Discharge Function
POWEROWL 16 Bay AA AAA Battery Charger (Updated, High Speed Charging) with Smart LED Light and Plug, for NIMH NICD Rechargeable Batteries and More
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.