Long-life alkaline battery
targets high-tech
electronic devices

A patented, environmentally safe alkaline battery combines long run-time and high performance to meet the stringent power requirements of cellular phones, camcorders, and other electronic devices with high drain rates.

Duracell (Bethel, CT) has added muscle to the conventional alkaline battery to meet the power requirements of the rapidly growing area of high-tech consumer electronics. The new Ultra battery, offered in AA and AAA sizes, provides up to 50% longer life than ordinary alkaline batteries.

The Ultra alkaline battery from Duracell provides up to a 50% longer
life than conventional alkalines in high-tech consumer electronic applications.

The Ultra battery is targeted at cellular telephones, digital and flash cameras, MiniDisc players, camcorders, and other electronic devices with high power requirements and high drain rates. These products currently account for close to 18% of total sales for AA and AAA cells, a figure expected to grow to 28% by the year 2002.

According to the company, the Ultra battery enables a flash camera to take 150 more pictures and to reduce flash recycling time. It can also allow cellular phone users to make up to 50 additional 2-minute calls.

Because of its long run-time and improved performance, the Ultra battery is also seen by Duracell as being able to replace rechargeable battery packs in some products. Toward this end, the company is working with manufacturers to design such products that run on the batteries.

For the added run-time and performance, the battery will cost about 20% more than the company's conventional alkaline batteries. A typical Ultra AA four-pack will sell for $4.99. Duracell will continue to sell its conventional alkaline batteries for general-purpose applications not requiring Ultra's high performance.

Inside the Ultra battery are a number of patented features and design techniques to improve current flow. For instance, high-conductivity coatings on the electrodes and improvements in internal construction increase the battery's efficiency at high currents. The battery also uses advanced materials and a specially integrated construction to provide high-power capability and to optimize internal volume.

The Ultra will incorporate Duracell's PowerCheck, an on-battery fuel-gauge tester that has been recalibrated for use in high-tech electronic devices. Like the company's other alkaline batteries, the Ultra battery has no mercury and can safely be discarded with regular trash.

The Ultra will be available in AA and AAA four-packs and AA eight-packs starting in May. For more information, contact Jill Fallon of Duracell's North Atlantic Group at 203-796-4094 or e-mail her at jill_fallon@duracell.com .