New AA and AAA lithium-ion batteries with USB-C are now available from Verbatim

Verbatim has announced the European availability of new rechargeable AA and AAA batteries along with the larger 9 V battery. Instead of NiMH cells, Verbatim uses lithium-ion cells paired with voltage converters to ensure compatibility with conventional battery compartments, delivering 1.5 V for the AA and AAA models and 9 V for the larger battery. The batteries should therefore be compatible with most devices that use these batteries.

However, the rechargeable batteries provide a constant output voltage at 1.5 V and 9 V, respectively. Devices that measure the charge of the battery based on the voltage will not be able to tell the difference between a fully charged and a nearly empty battery. Using these batteries in a radiator thermostat, for example, would not be a good idea.

The batteries have capacities of 0.75 Wh for AAA, 3.15 Wh for AA and around 3 Wh for the 9 V model. All cells can be recharged via the integrated USB-C port. According to Verbatim, the batteries can be recharged at least 1,000 times.

However, the capacity will decline over time according to the data sheet: "Recharge Cycles: ≥300 cycles to 80% capacity; up to approx. 1,000 cycles (10-20% capacity remaining)". The batteries also self-discharge and should not be stored for more than 60 days without recharging. That makes them unsuitable for storage or low-power devices like remote controls or radiators.

The four-piece packs of AA and AAA batteries are priced at 12.99 euros. The individual 9V battery costs 7.99 euros.