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We are testing cheap batteries signed with the Eneloop logo purchased on a popular auction site. Beware of potential fakes!
Promotion (continue reading below)
You can buy original eneloop rechargeable batteries in the hurt.com.pl store - the latest ones are available from April 2022 in new, environmentally friendly, plastic-free packaging.
New - improved MCDE series Higher capacity min. 2000 mAh - up to 2100 charging cycles New improved HCDE series New eco-friendly packaging for storing rechargeable batteries - the highest capacity among the new generation of 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries
4 x Panasonic Eneloop Ni-MH 2000mAh BK-3MCDE/4BE rechargeable batteries (blister)
New eco-friendly packaging for storing rechargeable batteries
- retains 70% of energy after 10 years after charging!
- works at low temperatures down to -20°C. C!
- charged in the production process with solar energy
Made in Japan
4 x Panasonic Eneloop PRO NEW Ni-MH 2500mAh batteries R6 / AA BK-3HCDE/4BE (blister)
- retains 85% of energy after 12 months after charging!
- works at low temperatures down to -20°C. C!
- charged in the production process with solar energy
Made in Japan
Panasonic Eneloop is the highest quality Ni-MH rechargeable batteries produced for many years in Japan. Currently, as of 20/05/2021, the 5th generation of these extremely popular rechargeable batteries is available in our offer. In this case, quality goes hand in hand with the high price of products - the product itself is a tasty morsel for counterfeiters, dishonest sellers or importers.
In March 2021, we purchased the following products through a popular auction site : Panasonic Eneloop PRO AA 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries and Panasonic Eneloop PRO AAA 930 mAh rechargeable batteries - theoretically the most efficient Eneloop series.
We have made a detailed comparison of these batteries to the original, reference units that we import directly from Panasonic.
Our test procedure:
1. We evaluated the appearance of the received product, checked the attached proof of purchase.
2. We have prepared a detailed photo documentation - we compared the appearance of the purchased batteries to the reference models.
3. We have checked and compared the weight of the products.
4. We checked to what extent the batteries were charged - we started by discharging them and measuring the starting capacity.
5. We carried out 5 charge and discharge cycles to determine the true capacity of the batteries.
6. We have measured the internal impedance of the batteries.
7. Summary - what we think about the tested batteries.
More tests are planned for the next weeks - including the evaluation of the self-discharge rate and performance in demanding devices (at high discharge current).
1. Initial evaluation of the purchased products.
At first glance, nothing caught our attention. The products were offered at a slightly lower price than at other sellers.
The product was purchased with free delivery as part of the Smart package.
The batteries were packed in factory packaging - blisters. Everything is signed with the Panasonic Eneloop logo.
Perhaps only the name of the product on the attached receipt from the fiscal printer "Accessories E-Cigarettes" could raise a little suspicion.
What is certain is that a less skilled user would not notice anything suspicious at this stage.
However, when comparing the appearance of the purchased blisters directly to the original packaging, you can easily notice the differences.
Genuine Eneloop batteries are hand-packed, precisely packaged in Europe and in 99.90% of cases the batteries are always arranged in the same way - with the logo towards the user. This is what distinguishes these batteries from other manufacturers. In the case of purchased batteries, full disorder in this respect dominated, which made the whole set look less aesthetically pleasing.
We easily found differences in printing and even linguistic errors in the translations on the reverse.
The unpacked batteries also differed in a significant way in terms of label, and the prints themselves were also not perfectly reproduced.
It was also easy to notice the design differences between the batteries.
The AAA/R03 batteries purchased turned out to be 0.1mm longer and 0.1mm thicker than the reference, original Eneloop batteries.
2. Comparison of product images.
Packaging - size AAA - original batteries.
Packaging - AAA size - batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
Packaging - size AAA - original batteries.
Packaging - AAA size - batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
Packaging - size AA - original batteries.
Packaging - AAA size - batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
Packaging - size AA - original batteries.
Packaging - AAA size - batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
Distinguishing features of the original blister:
- the batteries are evenly placed on the blister - with the logo facing the user,
- for R03/AAA cells, the declared minimum capacity is 930 mAh,
- for R03/AAA cells, the indicated battery size is HR03, BK-4HCDE/4BE series,
- clear, well-saturated prints,
- the date of production is visible on the back of the blister,
- no repeated language errors in translations, etc.,
- manufacturer's website address: www.panasonic-eneloop.eu.
Features of a potential fake:
- batteries randomly placed on the blister,
- for R03/AAA cells, the declared minimum capacity is 950 mAh,
- for R03/AAA cells, the indicated battery size is HRO3, BK-4HCCA series,
- poorly reproduced, pale graphic elements - e.g. visible moiré on the symbol of the Earth, on the front of the blister,
- no visible production date on the back,
- language errors and typos - no Polish "tails",
- completely different EAN code for cells in size AAA/R03
- another address of the manufacturer's website.
Batteries - original on the left, purchased on the right - potentially counterfeit.
Original batteries.
Batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
Original batteries.
Batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
Distinguishing features of the original battery:
- the battery poles are slightly porous, "rough",
- at the positive pole, cuts and holes are visible,
- the capacity of the battery is described in a matte font,
- the background of the wrap has the same black texture along the entire length of the battery - also on the folds at the +/- poles,
- Date of production, production batch number are clearly embossed on the wrapper.
Features of a potential fake:
- the battery poles are smooth,
- no visible cuts, holes on the positive pole of the battery,
- all prints, including the capacity, are highly glossy,
- the wrap has a clearly lighter shade at the bend at the positive/negative pole,
- Date of production, production batch number are only slightly imprinted, practically invisible.
3. Weight of rechargeable batteries.
Weight may not always be the ideal indicator of battery quality, but a significantly lighter battery almost always means less active material used in production.
This was the case here, the average weight of the purchased batteries turned out to be significantly lower compared to the original units.
Reference AAA batteries - original.
AAA batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
Reference AA batteries - original.
AA batteries purchased - potentially counterfeit.
The original Eneloop batteries were found to be around 10% heavier in the AAA/R03 size – the average weight per battery purchased is 11.5g, while the original weighs 12.6g.
The original Eneloop batteries in size AA/R6 were about 20% heavier - the average weight of one battery purchased is 24.55g, while the original weighs 30.1g.
Such large differences must be reflected in the performance of the batteries - which will be confirmed by the subsequent capacity test.
4. Pre-charge level of Ni-MH batteries.
Before we started the initial measurements of the remaining capacity in the batteries, we measured their voltage. The output voltage, which is often approx. 0.02-0.04V higher than the competition, is a special feature of original Eneloop rechargeable batteries.
Original batteries.
Batteries purchased.
The average voltage, regardless of the size, in this case was about 1.32V for original batteries and about 1.29V for newly purchased - potential counterfeits. When it comes to the starting voltage, it is not a convincing difference and comparing only these values it is difficult to indicate any defect in the newly purchased batteries.
Especially since the freshly purchased rechargeable batteries turned out to be pre-charged to a slightly higher degree compared to the reference, original models.
The average capacity of R03/AAA batteries from the first discharge - right after unpacking - was 525 mAh for potential counterfeits and 417 mAh for original batteries.
The average capacity of R6/AA batteries from the first discharge - right after unpacking - was 1485 mAh for potential counterfeits and 1275 mAh for original batteries.
However, it should be remembered that the remaining starting capacity, as well as the voltage value on each Ni-MH battery, decreases with storage. In this case, however, the production dates were quite similar - both the reference models and the newly purchased ones were to be produced around mid-2020.
Let's also remember that no branded Ni-MH battery, not even the original Eneloop, is pre-charged to 100% of its capacity.
A very good degree of pre-charging of these purchased batteries will not arouse the suspicion of the average user.
5. Ni-MH battery capacity tests.
AA/R6 batteries were charged with 700 mA with PVD detection (termination of the charging process after peak voltage detection), discharged with 500 mA to 1.0V.
AAA/R03 batteries were charged with 300 mA with PVD detection, discharged with 200 mA to 1.0V.
We performed 5 full charge and discharge cycles. Below we present the maximum measured values, as well as the averages of all cells.
The discharge and capacitance measurement conditions were thus close to the applicable official measurement method described in the international IEC standard for Ni-MH batteries.
AA/R6 size batteries.
Maximum measured capacity - original batteries: 2641 mAh
Maximum Measured Capacity - Batteries Purchased: 1869 mAh
Average measured capacity - original batteries: 2592 mAh
Average Measured Capacity - Batteries Purchased: 1843 mAh
The original batteries turned out to be over 40% more efficient / capacious, and additionally showed a significantly higher voltage during the entire discharge process - in total, giving off even more energy than it would result from the difference in capacity alone.
AAA/R03 size batteries.
Maximum measured capacity - original batteries: 996 mAh
Maximum Measured Capacity - Batteries Purchased: 816 mAh
Average measured capacity - original batteries: 973 mAh
Average measured capacity - batteries purchased: 781 mAh
The original batteries turned out to be about 25% more efficient / capacious, and additionally showed a higher voltage during the entire discharge process - in total, giving off even more energy than would result from the difference in capacity alone.
6. Measurement of internal impedance of rechargeable batteries.
Based on the result in milliohms, we can initially assess the capabilities and current efficiency of a given battery. The lower the score, the better. For new, good quality Ni-MH batteries, the measured value should be below 50 milliohms for AAA/R03 cells and below 40 milliohms for AA/R6 cells.
Note - here we tested the internal impedance - not the resistance - the internal resistance measurement, despite some similarity, always returns higher values (and not as repeatable) as the impedance measurement.
Eneloop PRO batteries original in size AA/R6:
#A Cell: 20 mΩ
#B cell: 20 mΩ
#C Cell: 20 mΩ
Cell #D: 20 mΩ
Eneloop PRO batteries original in size AAA/R03:
#A Cell: 44 mΩ
#B Cell: 34 mΩ
#C Cell: 45 mΩ
#D Cell: 40 mΩ
Rechargeable batteries pretending to be Eneloop PRO in size AA/R6:
#A Cell: 36 mΩ
#B Cell: 35 mΩ
#C cell: 44 mΩ
#D Cell: 40 mΩ
Eneloop PRO batteries in size AAA/R03:
#A cell: 40 mΩ
#B Cell: 40 mΩ
#C Cell: 40 mΩ
#D Cell: 40 mΩ
The results are "normal", but the much better result of the original AA/R6 batteries is noteworthy. Such a difference will cause very large discrepancies in the operation of rechargeable batteries in demanding devices, and so, for example, on the original black Panasonic Eneloop PRO, a powerful flash will be ready to work much faster and require shorter intervals between subsequent discharges. Similarly, a remote-controlled toy will work faster, more lively, or a powerful flashlight will shine clearly brighter.
Summary.
As a long-term direct distributor of Eneloop batteries, we have no doubt that the tested batteries purchased through a popular auction site are non-original - counterfeit goods. It is difficult for us to assess whether the seller is aware of the fraud being committed.
The low, unexpected results obtained in capacity tests would place these batteries below the cheaper, white Eneloop series, as well as below many, even 2 times cheaper batteries from other manufacturers.
It is worrying that the average buyer guided by the unwavering reputation of Eneloop rechargeable batteries may unknowingly come across a much inferior quality product. When choosing a source of purchase for your favorite, well-known brand, you should look for reliable sellers.
The hurt.com.pl store gives you the certainty of buying original products Eneloop as well as other popular brands of batteries and rechargeable batteries - Baltrade sp. z o.o., the owner of the service, has been a direct, leading distributor of the Eneloop brand for 15 years.
Read also our next article in which we subject eneloop batteries and their counterfeits to a self-discharge test.
Author: Michał Seredziński
Copying the content of the text or its part without the consent of a representative of Baltrade sp. z o.o. is prohibited.
You can buy original eneloop rechargeable batteries at the hurt.com.pl
4 x Panasonic Eneloop Ni-MH 2000mAh BK-3MCDE/4BE rechargeable batteries (blister)
New - improved MCDE series
Higher capacity min. 2000 mAh
New eco-friendly packaging for storing rechargeable batteries
- up to 2100 charging cycles
- retains 70% of energy after 10 years after charging!
- works at low temperatures down to -20°C. C!
- charged in the production process with solar energy
Made in Japan
4 x Panasonic Eneloop PRO NEW Ni-MH 2500mAh batteries R6 / AA BK-3HCDE/4BE (blister)
New improved HCDE series
New eco-friendly packaging for storing rechargeable batteries
- the highest capacity among the new generation of 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries
- retains 85% of energy after 12 months after charging!
- works at low temperatures down to -20°C. C!
- charged in the production process with solar energy
Made in Japan
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Ja uważam,że niekoniecznie te akumulatorki są podróbkami. Ostatnio kupiłem 4-pak Enelopów AAA i okazało się,że one są wyprodukowane w Belgii...,a nie jak wszyscy sądzą, że w Japonii. Sama kwestia innego miejsca produkcji, bądź nawet w innej fabryce będzie skutkowała nieco innymi detalami w wykonaniu ogniwa oraz druku na opakowaniu.1239
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Różnica w logotypie itp. to coś co nie może mieć miejsca - niezależnie od miejsca produkcji. Wprawne oko zauważy, że nawet słowo "eneloop" jest inaczej zapisane.
W Belgii nie ma fabryki akumulatorków Ni-MH, która mogłaby produkować Eneloopy, jest tam natomiast europejski oddział firmy odpowiedzialnej za dystrybucję marki Panasonic.
Kwestia co faktycznie było napisane na blistrze - w razie wątpliwości prosimy o kontakt mailowy.1241
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Wykazaliście, że kupiliście podróby. I...? Zgłosiliście to gdzieś?1216
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Oczywiście, zgłoszone producentowi, właścicielowi serwisu aukcyjnego, niestety nic to nie dało - podróbki nadal pojawiają się w sprzedaży.1219
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