New and Improved eneloop Batteries Hit the Market with Advanced Capabilities

• Higher life span and longer shelf life
• Better performance at no extra costs

1st November, 2012, Singapore – SANYO Energy (Singapore) Corporation Pte. Ltd., a member of the Panasonic group, is pleased to announce the release of new eneloop batteries with improved capabilities in the ASEAN market. Manufactured in Japan, the refreshed generation of eneloop batteries delivers an even higher performance for all types of users. The life span of eneloop batteries is increased by 20% *1, with a total life cycle of approximately 1,800 recharge cycles*2.

The new and improved eneloop rechargeable batteries also have a longer storage time, retaining 70%*3 capacity even after five years of storage. Retailing at S$25.90 for one pack of four AA/AAA- size and S$13.90 for one pack of two AA/AAA- size eneloop batteries, users can enjoy better performance at the same retail price as the previous eneloop battery models.

The batteries will be available in Singapore from 15th November 2012.

eneloop revolutionised the market with improved technology Compared to dry batteries, conventional rechargeable batteries possess higher self-discharge rate. eneloop is the first manufacturer to address this major drawback of rechargeable batteries.

Typically, rechargeable batteries that have been stored for a period of time will not perform well straight out of packet due to the loss of charges. eneloop counteracts this shortfall by developing an innovative low self-discharge technology. As a result, eneloop batteries have a longer shelf life with high residual capacity even after years of storage.

eneloop batteries are pre-charged with solar energy at the factory in Japan in accordance with the Green Power Certification System*4. The highly reliable eneloop batteries are ready for use on purchase, making them a favourite with both customers and the environment.

Additional features of the new eneloop batteries

• Outer covering label with “Antibacterial finishing*5: Ideal for business places, schools, and hospitals where one battery is handled by multiple people
• Stable discharge voltage: Longer operation times for gadgets with high power consumption and in low temperature circumstances than other dry cells

The new eneloop batteries are now available at major electronic stores.

You can find more information about eneloop at http://www.eneloop.com.sg/

Outline and Background

‘eneloop’ nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries have received high market appraisal for their cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly features. The batteries come pre-charged like a dry cell, and are economical and environmental as they are able to be recharged for repeated use as well as recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. In total, over 230 million ‘eneloop’ batteries have been shipped to more than 62 countries worldwide (as of the end of September 2012).

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products in three business fields, consumer, components & devices, and solutions. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.85 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2012. Panasonic’s stock is listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) Stock Exchanges. The company has the vision of becoming the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry by the 100th year of its founding in 2018. For more information on Panasonic, its brand and commitment to sustainability, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net/.

About SANYO Energy (S) Corp., Pte. Ltd.

SANYO Electric Co. Ltd., a member of the Panasonic Group, is a global company with leading energy and environmental technology and products for commercial and consumer use.

SANYO Energy (S) Corp., Pte. Ltd., a fully incorporated subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co. Ltd., is a supplier of highly developed rechargeable batteries and chargers. The company offers an extensive range of batteries such as eneloop rechargeable batteries for the consumer market as well as Lithium-ion batteries for the original equipment manufacturer market. SANYO Energy (S) Corp., Pte. Ltd. manages the operations in ASEAN and Oceania as well.

*Please note that “eneloop” is spelt entirely in small caps

*1 Compared to HR-3UTGA and HR-4UTGA

*2 General estimate based on the IEC 61951-2 (7.4.1.1) testing conditions.. (The number of times a battery can be recharged changes according to the use conditions and equipment used.)

*3 SANYO test with a fully charged battery at room temperature 20°C. (0,2lt discharge current, 1.0V/cell discharge cutoff voltage)

*4 The Green Power Certification System; Green power is evaluated in terms of environmental added value, and made tradable by a third-party organization with issuance of a
‘Certificate Green Power’. Companies and local governments that have obtained this certificate can use the natural energy equivalent to the amount of green power specified in the certificate.

*5 Type of antibacterial agent: Inorganic antibacterial agent; processing method: Printing; Processing site; Outer covering; Testing institute: Japan Spinners Inspecting Foundation; SIAA number: JP0122085A0002V; Test method: JIS Z2801