Rapid battery charger

The '15 Minute Charge & Go' system comprises a new type of nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery and charger which, when used together, claims to break the world record for the shortest charging time.

The system is suitable not only to seasoned rechargeable users, but to consumers who have traditionally preferred disposable batteries as well.

In digital cameras, for example, they last up to four times longer than regular alkaline batteries and can be charged up to 1000 times without memory effect.

The control mechanism is no longer in the charger, but integrated in the battery itself. The technology is called IC3 - In-Cell Charge Control. A sensor monitors the charge level and ensures the charger is turned off as soon as a preset limit is reached. This means each battery is recharged independently and regulates the current delivered by the charger directly.

Up to four 2000 mAh AA-sized cells or 800 mAh AAA-sized cells can be recharged at the same time - within 15 minutes. This maximum charging current is 7500 mA.